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Falling For Fairy Tales
Lilianna Rosario is an anxious witch trying to succeed in living a normal life without setting napkins on fire. Well as normal as any supernatural can be living in Lavender Falls. With the Full Moon Fall Festival around the corner she is going to do whatever it takes to get promoted. However when her old best friend moves back forgotten feelings begin bubbling back.
Celestino Santos is happy to return home after spending years away. City life was suffocating and he's hoping being back home will be what he's been missing. But that also means being around his old best friend, the one who bewitched his heart when they were kids. But she isn't the same bookworm he grew up with.
Working together to put on a Cursed Pub Crawl for their town's festival a mystery begins to unfold. Someone or something has been keeping a secret. Emotions, routines and boundaries begin getting pushed. With their jobs in each others hands can they stay on track when feelings begin blurring the lines? Can two childhood friends figure out their fairy tale ending?
Celestino Santos is happy to return home after spending years away. City life was suffocating and he's hoping being back home will be what he's been missing. But that also means being around his old best friend, the one who bewitched his heart when they were kids. But she isn't the same bookworm he grew up with.
Working together to put on a Cursed Pub Crawl for their town's festival a mystery begins to unfold. Someone or something has been keeping a secret. Emotions, routines and boundaries begin getting pushed. With their jobs in each others hands can they stay on track when feelings begin blurring the lines? Can two childhood friends figure out their fairy tale ending?
306 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2023
11 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Barreiro
6 books77 followersIsabel is an anxious Portuguese-American bookworm, born and raised in Miami. When she is not writing she's a freelance social media manager.
Despite being born and raised in Miami she prefers the mountains and fall/winter season. Maybe one day she'll have her small town life.
When she isn’t writing or reading she is probably cooking while rewatching Lost Girl, The Wedding Season, The Hobbit or catching up on anime.
Despite being born and raised in Miami she prefers the mountains and fall/winter season. Maybe one day she'll have her small town life.
When she isn’t writing or reading she is probably cooking while rewatching Lost Girl, The Wedding Season, The Hobbit or catching up on anime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 31, 2023
✩‧₊ 3.25 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆: Falling for Fairy Tales *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
0:24 ─●──────── -2:56 ↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
🎶 One night he wakes. Strange look on his face. Pauses, then says. You're my best friend. And you knew what it was.He is in love 🎶
Celestino Santos (H) and Lilianna Rosario (h) hadn’t seen each other in eight years, which is a long time for childhood friends to disconnect, but they never lost that time. From the moment they reconnect, they relearn things about each other, and their crushes on each other are unknowingly rekindling on both ends. Both of them are flustered most of the time; there’s lingering tension that Lillianna doesn’t know how to address, but she knows something has changed in their dynamic. They are no longer just “best friends.” their chemistry is undeniable, and there is something there that they want to pursue, but both of them are too nervous to make the move.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
🎶 Flash forward, and we're takin' on the world together. And there's a drawer of my things at your place. You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded 🎶
Celestino is such a cute MMC. He’s supportive and wants the best for her, and he’s extremely patient. He knows he missed a lot by not being in her life in eight years, but he makes it his mission to understand what she likes and discover that she’s changed quite a bit, but for the better. Lilliana, his Posey, has gained the confidence that didn’t exist when they knew each other as teenagers, and now they’re ready for something they weren’t before. I was genuinely intrigued from beginning to end; the romance had me invested, but the elements incorporated did too. The fact that they were working together and the forced proximity with their tension. It was great.I thought that Lilliana was an adorable FMC, mainly because she rambled and would deliver random facts when she got flustered by Celestino, which was a lot. I thought it was sweet that he KNEW and never pointed it out to make her feel embarrassed; instead, he appreciated it as something that made her unique, and so HER.
🎶 Braced myself for the goodbye. 'Cause that's all I've ever known. Then you took me by surprise. You said, "I'll never leave you alone" 🎶
He loved every part of her, and he recognized when she needed help, and he was her person. He was there even when she didn’t want to realize she needed that help. He is such a word-of-affirmation person, but he loved to do acts of service for Lillianna. Celestino is the sweetest person, and I’m not over how attentive he was towards her emotional and physical needs He was extremely patient throughout the book, even when she was hesitant about moving forward, and he knew her reservations and didn’t rush her. He’s so considerate, and I love that he never made anything about him; he focused on what was best for both of them and how he would be there in the long run.
It was also great that the friendship in this book played a major role.It will make you laugh, swoon, and wish you lived in a small town with witches and warlocks. While Lillianna doesn’t love to use her magic, she has people in her village to balance her out when things get too overwhelming. All her friends are great, and new characters and backgrounds are introduced along the way.
🎶 And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound. It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you 🎶
Moreover, the anxiety representation made me feel seen. I felt like I was reading my thoughts and shed some tears because it felt like a personal attack. Lilianna is me in a person, so it was just nice to see that she had so many people on her side who loved her and wanted the best for her. It’s also nice that she didn’t have to explain herself to people; they just knew what she needed and gave it to her.
¸♡ OVERALL ♡¸.•
The writing style was an adjustment, but it is easy to follow once one gets a general idea of how it progresses. I didn’t mind it, and the story itself was cute. There are minor corrections, such as the pacing, that could improve the overall book, but it was still a good read.
･ ｡ﾟ☆: Falling for Fairy Tales *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
0:24 ─●──────── -2:56 ↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
🎶 One night he wakes. Strange look on his face. Pauses, then says. You're my best friend. And you knew what it was.He is in love 🎶
Celestino Santos (H) and Lilianna Rosario (h) hadn’t seen each other in eight years, which is a long time for childhood friends to disconnect, but they never lost that time. From the moment they reconnect, they relearn things about each other, and their crushes on each other are unknowingly rekindling on both ends. Both of them are flustered most of the time; there’s lingering tension that Lillianna doesn’t know how to address, but she knows something has changed in their dynamic. They are no longer just “best friends.” their chemistry is undeniable, and there is something there that they want to pursue, but both of them are too nervous to make the move.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
🎶 Flash forward, and we're takin' on the world together. And there's a drawer of my things at your place. You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded 🎶
Celestino is such a cute MMC. He’s supportive and wants the best for her, and he’s extremely patient. He knows he missed a lot by not being in her life in eight years, but he makes it his mission to understand what she likes and discover that she’s changed quite a bit, but for the better. Lilliana, his Posey, has gained the confidence that didn’t exist when they knew each other as teenagers, and now they’re ready for something they weren’t before. I was genuinely intrigued from beginning to end; the romance had me invested, but the elements incorporated did too. The fact that they were working together and the forced proximity with their tension. It was great.I thought that Lilliana was an adorable FMC, mainly because she rambled and would deliver random facts when she got flustered by Celestino, which was a lot. I thought it was sweet that he KNEW and never pointed it out to make her feel embarrassed; instead, he appreciated it as something that made her unique, and so HER.
🎶 Braced myself for the goodbye. 'Cause that's all I've ever known. Then you took me by surprise. You said, "I'll never leave you alone" 🎶
He loved every part of her, and he recognized when she needed help, and he was her person. He was there even when she didn’t want to realize she needed that help. He is such a word-of-affirmation person, but he loved to do acts of service for Lillianna. Celestino is the sweetest person, and I’m not over how attentive he was towards her emotional and physical needs He was extremely patient throughout the book, even when she was hesitant about moving forward, and he knew her reservations and didn’t rush her. He’s so considerate, and I love that he never made anything about him; he focused on what was best for both of them and how he would be there in the long run.
It was also great that the friendship in this book played a major role.It will make you laugh, swoon, and wish you lived in a small town with witches and warlocks. While Lillianna doesn’t love to use her magic, she has people in her village to balance her out when things get too overwhelming. All her friends are great, and new characters and backgrounds are introduced along the way.
🎶 And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound. It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you 🎶
Moreover, the anxiety representation made me feel seen. I felt like I was reading my thoughts and shed some tears because it felt like a personal attack. Lilianna is me in a person, so it was just nice to see that she had so many people on her side who loved her and wanted the best for her. It’s also nice that she didn’t have to explain herself to people; they just knew what she needed and gave it to her.
¸♡ OVERALL ♡¸.•
The writing style was an adjustment, but it is easy to follow once one gets a general idea of how it progresses. I didn’t mind it, and the story itself was cute. There are minor corrections, such as the pacing, that could improve the overall book, but it was still a good read.
July 14, 2025
Ugh I’m so ready for fall and spooky szn.
September 27, 2023
I love, love, loved the idea of this story. Unfortunately, the text could have benefited from a quality editor who would have noted the grammatical and syntax errors that made this challenging to read.
September 25, 2023
Review antes do lançamento porque recebi arc 🤭
Este livro é uma mistura perfeita de dois estilos de livros que adoro ler: small town e livros com bruxas e magia - é o sonho tornado realidade e nem nunca pensei que isto junto funcionasse tão bem, mas funciona e é lindo 💜
Nesta pequena vila temos literalmente o sonho para criaturas sobrenaturais, um local onde não têm de esconder o que são ou como são e todos vivem em comunidade. Adorava visitar Lavender Falls e quem sabe viver lá, porque nunca se sabe...também eu poderei ser algo único, tenho tanto em comum com a Lilianna, a Eleanor e o Celestino que é possível 🤭 eles serem descendentes de portugueses, serem portugueses num meio americano é um must 🤌🏻
É uma história que aborda a ansiedade de um modo diferente mas bastante pessoal...senti a dor da Lilianna e a frustração dela quanto à sua dor 💔
O romance é maravilhoso, eu não costumo amar friends to lovers mas este é lindo, a ligação deles é extraordinária!!! Quem não os ama, não tem coração 😭
É um início de saga fantástico, é literalmente impossível não amar esta vila e todos os que lá habitam. E sim, as personagens secundárias são tão ricas e fascinantes como os protagonistas - fica o plano traçado para o próximo livro e eu mal posso esperar 😍 porque sim, o próximo vai ser o livro das minhas personagens preferidas, a Eleanor e o Caleb!!!
Só posso recomendar 💜 perfeito para fãs de romances fofinhos com algum mistério, romances com um casal perfeito que apesar de se desenvolver em slow burn é soberbo. O equilíbrio perfeito entre magia e amor 🥰
Este livro é uma mistura perfeita de dois estilos de livros que adoro ler: small town e livros com bruxas e magia - é o sonho tornado realidade e nem nunca pensei que isto junto funcionasse tão bem, mas funciona e é lindo 💜
Nesta pequena vila temos literalmente o sonho para criaturas sobrenaturais, um local onde não têm de esconder o que são ou como são e todos vivem em comunidade. Adorava visitar Lavender Falls e quem sabe viver lá, porque nunca se sabe...também eu poderei ser algo único, tenho tanto em comum com a Lilianna, a Eleanor e o Celestino que é possível 🤭 eles serem descendentes de portugueses, serem portugueses num meio americano é um must 🤌🏻
É uma história que aborda a ansiedade de um modo diferente mas bastante pessoal...senti a dor da Lilianna e a frustração dela quanto à sua dor 💔
O romance é maravilhoso, eu não costumo amar friends to lovers mas este é lindo, a ligação deles é extraordinária!!! Quem não os ama, não tem coração 😭
É um início de saga fantástico, é literalmente impossível não amar esta vila e todos os que lá habitam. E sim, as personagens secundárias são tão ricas e fascinantes como os protagonistas - fica o plano traçado para o próximo livro e eu mal posso esperar 😍 porque sim, o próximo vai ser o livro das minhas personagens preferidas, a Eleanor e o Caleb!!!
Só posso recomendar 💜 perfeito para fãs de romances fofinhos com algum mistério, romances com um casal perfeito que apesar de se desenvolver em slow burn é soberbo. O equilíbrio perfeito entre magia e amor 🥰
May 20, 2024
What’s better than cozy romantasy? Nothing, that’s what I’ll tell you. This book was the perfect mixture of fantasy and romance set in the small town of Lavender Falls. Creatures rule here so don’t be frightened if you run into a few witches, vampires, werewolves, or pixies along your tourist stops. It definitely puts you in a fall mood and now I can’t wait for October to get here!
Our main characters Lilianna, a fabulous witch, and Celestino, a heart throbbing warlock, are given a second chance at romance when he comes back home after living the big city life for the last couple of years. There’s plenty of tension, flirting, lots of rule making and breaking, and a blossoming “best friends since they were in diapers to now grown adult lovers”.
Overall, this was a really fun and cozy read! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days. My favorite thing about this book is that it’s character driven so you really get to know each one through their own charming personas. The romance between Lilianna and Celestino was *chef’s kiss*. I love a good slow burn and getting to see them grow after coming back into each other’s lives was so good!!
Our main characters Lilianna, a fabulous witch, and Celestino, a heart throbbing warlock, are given a second chance at romance when he comes back home after living the big city life for the last couple of years. There’s plenty of tension, flirting, lots of rule making and breaking, and a blossoming “best friends since they were in diapers to now grown adult lovers”.
Overall, this was a really fun and cozy read! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days. My favorite thing about this book is that it’s character driven so you really get to know each one through their own charming personas. The romance between Lilianna and Celestino was *chef’s kiss*. I love a good slow burn and getting to see them grow after coming back into each other’s lives was so good!!
October 9, 2023
2.5⭐️
I really wanted to like this book more, and I am not tagging the author in this review. There is so much potential for this book and the rest of this series. I am honestly interested to see how the other couples’ stories play out. It was a cute book - childhood friends to lovers, small town romance, slow burn. I loved the town of Lavender Falls, and the comfy world building of so many fairy tale creatures living in the same town together. Where this fell flat for me was the main couple. I did not like how they were immediately fine after Celestino came back after they hadn’t spoken for 8 years?? Like they never spoke even when they came home for the holidays? That was very unrealistic for me, and I had a hard time trying to understand how we were just going to bypass this. 😅 Separately, I did enjoy Celestino’s character on his own and how attentive he was to Liliana’s anxiety and attempting to reduce as much stress for her as possible.
CW: anxiety, panic attacks
I really wanted to like this book more, and I am not tagging the author in this review. There is so much potential for this book and the rest of this series. I am honestly interested to see how the other couples’ stories play out. It was a cute book - childhood friends to lovers, small town romance, slow burn. I loved the town of Lavender Falls, and the comfy world building of so many fairy tale creatures living in the same town together. Where this fell flat for me was the main couple. I did not like how they were immediately fine after Celestino came back after they hadn’t spoken for 8 years?? Like they never spoke even when they came home for the holidays? That was very unrealistic for me, and I had a hard time trying to understand how we were just going to bypass this. 😅 Separately, I did enjoy Celestino’s character on his own and how attentive he was to Liliana’s anxiety and attempting to reduce as much stress for her as possible.
CW: anxiety, panic attacks
December 25, 2023
This was a fun debut book from Isabel Barreiro. She's a good writer, developing the plot and characters well to keep things moving forward.
I think she did a great job building the supernatural elements of the book - providing logic and explanations that flowed well with the story.
There is a good set up for a series, which was fun to see hints of throughout the book.
The two MCs are clearly meant-for-each-other so it was fun seeing how they came about to actually being together.
The only reason I rated this book lower than a 4 is that I have realized that I struggle with new adult books and this is probably just because of my age. I think people closer in age to the MCs and author are likely to enjoy it a lot more. I'm just finding that I don't really love any new adult books, and that's okay!!
I think she did a great job building the supernatural elements of the book - providing logic and explanations that flowed well with the story.
There is a good set up for a series, which was fun to see hints of throughout the book.
The two MCs are clearly meant-for-each-other so it was fun seeing how they came about to actually being together.
The only reason I rated this book lower than a 4 is that I have realized that I struggle with new adult books and this is probably just because of my age. I think people closer in age to the MCs and author are likely to enjoy it a lot more. I'm just finding that I don't really love any new adult books, and that's okay!!
October 10, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
What a great witchy read for the spooky season 🧙♀️ This is a sweet, slightly spicy, friends to lovers, slow burn romance. Throw in a small town and childhood best friends to make it all the sweeter.
I really enjoyed the anxiety representation and found it was very relatable but with a witchy twist. There's a mystery to be solved, some fun pub crawl antics and even some yummy cocktail recipes that you can make and enjoy while reading.
What a great witchy read for the spooky season 🧙♀️ This is a sweet, slightly spicy, friends to lovers, slow burn romance. Throw in a small town and childhood best friends to make it all the sweeter.
I really enjoyed the anxiety representation and found it was very relatable but with a witchy twist. There's a mystery to be solved, some fun pub crawl antics and even some yummy cocktail recipes that you can make and enjoy while reading.
September 8, 2024
This completely brought me out of my book slump. It’s fantasy, romantic, spicy and funny. I loved every moment of it. Lilianna’s anxiety is something I resonate with because I also struggle with anxiety. I felt her struggles so hard. And Celestino is such a sweetheart🥹. He was so good to her and cared for her in every way. I enjoy a good slow burn and this one was GOOD. The tension was CRAZY. Just yes in every way✅✅
November 5, 2023
This is a fun Fall/Halloween read and I love a good friends to lovers. I will say that there are a couple of plot holes or areas that could be fleshed out and explained further. I also feel that the writing was a bit too youthful at times.
But overall great debut!
But overall great debut!
November 22, 2023
This was such a cute small town romance! I loved the fall vibes this book gave and this friend group. The I’ve had a crush on you always and everyone but you knows it trope is always the best specially when it’s a friends to lovers situation. I loved the portrayal of mental health and can’t wait to get back to this world!
October 11, 2023
2.5 Stars.
I was kindly given an ARC of this book by the author, I was super super excited to read it; the idea was fun and it is the kind of book I would typically read.
Firstly, the good bits. It’s a funny book, the dialogue and the way the characters interact amused me. As I mentioned before the idea was brilliant, however I quickly found that there were more cons than pros..
I did enjoy the book, but there were a few things that made me enjoy it less. The idea was good but in reality that’s probably the only thing that turned up to the party. It’s quite hard to read sometimes with the dual POVS, the writing is a bit too childish in places and I found my attention drifting elsewhere. I got halfway through the book and I didn’t really feel involved or attached to the story to see it though. I did persevere and finish though.There wasn’t much to keep me captivated and enjoying the book, the FMC wasn’t anything special and even the relationship between Lilianna and Celestino didn’t make me excited to see it grow.
Overall, I didn’t dislike the book, I just think it could do with a bit more editing or revision perhaps? That being said I’m sure there are many readers who would love this book just as it is, its just not for me.
I was kindly given an ARC of this book by the author, I was super super excited to read it; the idea was fun and it is the kind of book I would typically read.
Firstly, the good bits. It’s a funny book, the dialogue and the way the characters interact amused me. As I mentioned before the idea was brilliant, however I quickly found that there were more cons than pros..
I did enjoy the book, but there were a few things that made me enjoy it less. The idea was good but in reality that’s probably the only thing that turned up to the party. It’s quite hard to read sometimes with the dual POVS, the writing is a bit too childish in places and I found my attention drifting elsewhere. I got halfway through the book and I didn’t really feel involved or attached to the story to see it though. I did persevere and finish though.There wasn’t much to keep me captivated and enjoying the book, the FMC wasn’t anything special and even the relationship between Lilianna and Celestino didn’t make me excited to see it grow.
Overall, I didn’t dislike the book, I just think it could do with a bit more editing or revision perhaps? That being said I’m sure there are many readers who would love this book just as it is, its just not for me.
October 25, 2023
3.5 - 3.75 stars
This was a cute read & I enjoyed it, especially during Halloween. The supernatural town (great small town vibes), magical creatures, Fall Festival, haunted house and bar crawl - all fantastic.
I liked both Lilianna and Celestino. They had a lot of chemistry as best friends and were clearly meant to be together. Even their magic complemented each other. But holy moley talk about a slow burn. They had me yelling internally “just kiss already!!” I understood why Liliana was so hesitant to cross that line, when you’re best friends you don’t want to ruin that relationship. And she was afraid to have him see her anxiety. But given how much he supported her, I wish she would’ve realized earlier on that it was safe to open up to him about her anxiety and to trust him with her heart. Celestino would do anything for her, and it was incredibly sweet.
“You keep me tethered to the world. You’re my gravity,”
I could easily relate to Lilianna, especially with the anxiety. Those aspects of her personality & the actual anxiety attacks were handled really well. It was described so accurately with the racing thoughts. The downside though was that as I read it I found myself getting anxious along with her. My star rating isn’t reflected from that though, the writing for those parts was done really well.
“I hated being late. Being on time made me anxious. If you were on time, you were late. If you were late… I shuddered at the thought.” - this is literally me
Spoilers below ⬇️
The ending was really cute, and I loved how Lilianna opened up & related her and Celestino to Gomez & Morticia. I felt like the ending kind of came out of nowhere though. I was hoping to get some more details about the haunted house or the festival and having them enjoy it together. But it sounds like we may get more fall festival or the bar crawl in the next book.
The side characters were fun, I liked Sailor a lot. It was clear Caleb & Eleanor had chemistry but you couldn’t figure out why they didn’t just get together, and after reading the sneak peek we find out a crucial piece of info that’s a bit mysterious, so I’m excited to read the next book - hopefully next Halloween! I also liked how good of friends everybody was, they all supported each other unconditionally and felt a bit like one big happy family.
Loved that the recipes to the drinks for the bar crawl were in the back, very nice touch!
Things I wish were handled a little differently:
I love dual POV, but the first 4 chapters were a little weird with how it was handled. The first was Lilianna’s POV, then it was Celestino’s covering the same time period. The following 2 chapters did the same thing. I was a little worried it would be like this the whole book, but it was only those first few chapters. Here’s the thing, I did like that we got to see both POVs when Lilianna and Celestino see each other for the first time and those initial reactions, but it’s also a little tiring to reread similar events over and over. So it wasn’t my favorite thing, and if you stopped reading because you didn’t like that, I encourage you to keep reading because it does go back to the “normal” way.
I also thought it was strange they never really addressed why they lost touch and didn’t speak for 8 years. Obviously people grow apart but it seemed like Lilianna and Celestino should’ve had some sort of discussion about why they just stopped being friends for nearly a decade.
There were also a lot of grammatical & syntax errors. It made a couple quick parts a little confusing but for the most part it wasn’t a hindrance - I still enjoyed the story.
This was a cute read & I enjoyed it, especially during Halloween. The supernatural town (great small town vibes), magical creatures, Fall Festival, haunted house and bar crawl - all fantastic.
I liked both Lilianna and Celestino. They had a lot of chemistry as best friends and were clearly meant to be together. Even their magic complemented each other. But holy moley talk about a slow burn. They had me yelling internally “just kiss already!!” I understood why Liliana was so hesitant to cross that line, when you’re best friends you don’t want to ruin that relationship. And she was afraid to have him see her anxiety. But given how much he supported her, I wish she would’ve realized earlier on that it was safe to open up to him about her anxiety and to trust him with her heart. Celestino would do anything for her, and it was incredibly sweet.
“You keep me tethered to the world. You’re my gravity,”
I could easily relate to Lilianna, especially with the anxiety. Those aspects of her personality & the actual anxiety attacks were handled really well. It was described so accurately with the racing thoughts. The downside though was that as I read it I found myself getting anxious along with her. My star rating isn’t reflected from that though, the writing for those parts was done really well.
“I hated being late. Being on time made me anxious. If you were on time, you were late. If you were late… I shuddered at the thought.” - this is literally me
Spoilers below ⬇️
The ending was really cute, and I loved how Lilianna opened up & related her and Celestino to Gomez & Morticia. I felt like the ending kind of came out of nowhere though. I was hoping to get some more details about the haunted house or the festival and having them enjoy it together. But it sounds like we may get more fall festival or the bar crawl in the next book.
The side characters were fun, I liked Sailor a lot. It was clear Caleb & Eleanor had chemistry but you couldn’t figure out why they didn’t just get together, and after reading the sneak peek we find out a crucial piece of info that’s a bit mysterious, so I’m excited to read the next book - hopefully next Halloween! I also liked how good of friends everybody was, they all supported each other unconditionally and felt a bit like one big happy family.
Loved that the recipes to the drinks for the bar crawl were in the back, very nice touch!
Things I wish were handled a little differently:
I love dual POV, but the first 4 chapters were a little weird with how it was handled. The first was Lilianna’s POV, then it was Celestino’s covering the same time period. The following 2 chapters did the same thing. I was a little worried it would be like this the whole book, but it was only those first few chapters. Here’s the thing, I did like that we got to see both POVs when Lilianna and Celestino see each other for the first time and those initial reactions, but it’s also a little tiring to reread similar events over and over. So it wasn’t my favorite thing, and if you stopped reading because you didn’t like that, I encourage you to keep reading because it does go back to the “normal” way.
I also thought it was strange they never really addressed why they lost touch and didn’t speak for 8 years. Obviously people grow apart but it seemed like Lilianna and Celestino should’ve had some sort of discussion about why they just stopped being friends for nearly a decade.
There were also a lot of grammatical & syntax errors. It made a couple quick parts a little confusing but for the most part it wasn’t a hindrance - I still enjoyed the story.
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October 15, 2023disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
Caring & introverted local witch Lilianna Maria Rosario is in for an emotional surprise when her childhood best friend & warlock Celestino returns to their haunting & paranormal small hometown, Lavender Falls. They are both Portuguese American, & this is ownvoices written 🤎 The town is full of magically themed businesses, like Coffin’s Coffee Shop, Priscilla’s Lotions and Potions, Godmother’s Patisserie, Atticus’ Antiques, Boogeyman’s Bar, Siren’s Saloon, Highwaymen Haunt, Plastered Pixie, & Drunk Fairy Tale Tavern. The worldbuilding is easy to follow in this low-stakes, cozy fantasy & I loved getting to know Lilianna & Celestino.
Their slow-burn friends-to-lovers arc is a delight to witness as it unfolds, via forced proximity/workplace romance (working together before the fall festival returns), sexy games of truth or dare, karaoke, and more! It’s been about a decade since they’ve last seen each other & even though they still know each other in a way that others may not, they find new intimacy in unpacking the layers of who the other has grown into as adults. Lilianna is navigating her panic attacks & anxiety, & her general fears of being “too much” & unworthy of love.
What I loved about their connection was the fact that Celestino provided the space for Lilianna to be brave in no longer hiding the parts of herself that she felt were unworthy. Often, when people grew up with us, they hold onto a version of us that possibly no longer fits us. However, Celestino never forced Lilianna into the version of his bff that he knew a decade ago. He reveled in the magic of getting to know her all over again. As far as boot boyfriends go, he is top tier 🥰
I can’t wait to watch more love stories unfold in Lavender Falls!
There are also a few ghoulish drink recipes at the very end — so cute!
Isabel created playlists for the characters, which are available on Spotify and once you read the book, you’ll see how perfectly they match each character🥹, but here’s a glimpse:
Lilianna:
1. Slow- Shy Martin
2. Eterno- Anjos
3. Slow Burn- J. Maya
4. POV- Ariana Grande
Celestino:
1. I Like Me Better- Anthony Del La Torre
2. I Hear a symphony- Cody Fry
3. Life's A Mess- Spence Hood
4. Amor Perfeito- Mariza
steam rating: 2/5
cw: panic attacks (Isabel also noted when the on-page, open-door scenes happen, which I found really considerate!)
Caring & introverted local witch Lilianna Maria Rosario is in for an emotional surprise when her childhood best friend & warlock Celestino returns to their haunting & paranormal small hometown, Lavender Falls. They are both Portuguese American, & this is ownvoices written 🤎 The town is full of magically themed businesses, like Coffin’s Coffee Shop, Priscilla’s Lotions and Potions, Godmother’s Patisserie, Atticus’ Antiques, Boogeyman’s Bar, Siren’s Saloon, Highwaymen Haunt, Plastered Pixie, & Drunk Fairy Tale Tavern. The worldbuilding is easy to follow in this low-stakes, cozy fantasy & I loved getting to know Lilianna & Celestino.
Their slow-burn friends-to-lovers arc is a delight to witness as it unfolds, via forced proximity/workplace romance (working together before the fall festival returns), sexy games of truth or dare, karaoke, and more! It’s been about a decade since they’ve last seen each other & even though they still know each other in a way that others may not, they find new intimacy in unpacking the layers of who the other has grown into as adults. Lilianna is navigating her panic attacks & anxiety, & her general fears of being “too much” & unworthy of love.
What I loved about their connection was the fact that Celestino provided the space for Lilianna to be brave in no longer hiding the parts of herself that she felt were unworthy. Often, when people grew up with us, they hold onto a version of us that possibly no longer fits us. However, Celestino never forced Lilianna into the version of his bff that he knew a decade ago. He reveled in the magic of getting to know her all over again. As far as boot boyfriends go, he is top tier 🥰
I can’t wait to watch more love stories unfold in Lavender Falls!
There are also a few ghoulish drink recipes at the very end — so cute!
Isabel created playlists for the characters, which are available on Spotify and once you read the book, you’ll see how perfectly they match each character🥹, but here’s a glimpse:
Lilianna:
1. Slow- Shy Martin
2. Eterno- Anjos
3. Slow Burn- J. Maya
4. POV- Ariana Grande
Celestino:
1. I Like Me Better- Anthony Del La Torre
2. I Hear a symphony- Cody Fry
3. Life's A Mess- Spence Hood
4. Amor Perfeito- Mariza
steam rating: 2/5
cw: panic attacks (Isabel also noted when the on-page, open-door scenes happen, which I found really considerate!)
May 5, 2024
🕯️***Falling For Fairy Tales***
✍🏻: @Isabel Barreiro
💭: 3.5💫
📜: 306 pages
🪻: Paranormal small town romance
🧙🏻♀️Tropes: Friends to lovers, Anxiety, Slowburn, Atmospheric, The whole town being the best wing men
🤎🤍Thoughts(mild spoilers):
🍄This book is all about the 🍂Fall Vibe🍂, I love how every bar, every cafe, every candle shop and pastry store is elaborately portrayed to be the most magical, comfortable and unique places. The character’s appearance and their magic, the shop names, spells, riddles, every single little object is carefully crafted.
🪵I can see everything play out in my head so vividly and it feels so warm and wonderful. If I have to choose one book to live in, Lavender Falls is the town I’ll choose.
🌊However, and when I say this it’s totally subjective, but personally I prefer the pacing to be a bit faster, and I also liked the side characters better than main characters.
🥀Although I do find the preparation for the fall festival interesting and fun, and also enjoy all the vibey scenes happening, to me that part just accounted a little too much in this book. This was fine at the beginning, but after a while I just found myself started to lose focus.
💐Lilianna was awfully adorable and relatable, and Celestino was hot and sweet and oh so gentle. They’re both great, but for some reason I couldn’t quite get their chemistry and I just keep distracting to fantasize about Ellie and Celeb and their overflowing tension. Just like many movies and series, sometimes the side characters are just more appealing.
🐬And I adore Sailor so much I couldn’t stop grinning every time he appears. Hope he gets a book🙌🏻
🪻With that said, this is still a beautiful book to read, I underlined so many quotes that are sparklingly pretty and heartwarming, and it’s really a treat to visit such a magical fictional world.
So if you like:
- The Night Circus
- Best friends to lovers
- Fall things
- Organizing and planning events together
Then you’ll love this book!!
✍🏻: @Isabel Barreiro
💭: 3.5💫
📜: 306 pages
🪻: Paranormal small town romance
🧙🏻♀️Tropes: Friends to lovers, Anxiety, Slowburn, Atmospheric, The whole town being the best wing men
🤎🤍Thoughts(mild spoilers):
🍄This book is all about the 🍂Fall Vibe🍂, I love how every bar, every cafe, every candle shop and pastry store is elaborately portrayed to be the most magical, comfortable and unique places. The character’s appearance and their magic, the shop names, spells, riddles, every single little object is carefully crafted.
🪵I can see everything play out in my head so vividly and it feels so warm and wonderful. If I have to choose one book to live in, Lavender Falls is the town I’ll choose.
🌊However, and when I say this it’s totally subjective, but personally I prefer the pacing to be a bit faster, and I also liked the side characters better than main characters.
🥀Although I do find the preparation for the fall festival interesting and fun, and also enjoy all the vibey scenes happening, to me that part just accounted a little too much in this book. This was fine at the beginning, but after a while I just found myself started to lose focus.
💐Lilianna was awfully adorable and relatable, and Celestino was hot and sweet and oh so gentle. They’re both great, but for some reason I couldn’t quite get their chemistry and I just keep distracting to fantasize about Ellie and Celeb and their overflowing tension. Just like many movies and series, sometimes the side characters are just more appealing.
🐬And I adore Sailor so much I couldn’t stop grinning every time he appears. Hope he gets a book🙌🏻
🪻With that said, this is still a beautiful book to read, I underlined so many quotes that are sparklingly pretty and heartwarming, and it’s really a treat to visit such a magical fictional world.
So if you like:
- The Night Circus
- Best friends to lovers
- Fall things
- Organizing and planning events together
Then you’ll love this book!!
October 9, 2023
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Spice- 🌶
Series- Lavander Fall #1
Troupes- Childhood friends to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, the whole town is matchmaking them
Representation- General Anxiety
CW-on page panic attacks,
Are you looking for a cozy witchy read this spooky season? Look no farther! This debut novel has everything you could ever want to curl up with a hot drink and blanket while you visit the Town of Lavender Falls and watch as two adorable dummies circle around one another while they figure out there feelings!
Ok I hear you saying but why did you give it gave it 3.5 stars Stephanie? While I loved many things about this book I had a hard time staying engaged in the story. Isabel’s story telling is on point but the pacing was also slow for me it was a little wordy. I found myself skimming paragraphs to get to the spoken dialogue because there was a lot of internal dialogue.
Things I loved! Celestino and Lilianna these sweet fall children pinned and danced around each other for 75% of the book and the slow burn was agonizing but very well earned when they do finally make it to the spicy times. Also Celestino is defiantly boyfriend goals and the sweetest Golden retriever protector Hero! I also loved all the side characters their Friend group is an adorable found family with lots of potential for more HEAs! The town of Lavender Falls gave me spooky Stars Hollow vibes with faire, vampires, zombies, werwolf’s and of course some very lovable witches.
This is a low angst cozy fall read with a touch of mystery and lots to fall in love with!
Thank you Isabel Barreiro for this advanced copy all opinions are my own. And congratulation on your lovely Debut!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Spice- 🌶
Series- Lavander Fall #1
Troupes- Childhood friends to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, the whole town is matchmaking them
Representation- General Anxiety
CW-on page panic attacks,
Are you looking for a cozy witchy read this spooky season? Look no farther! This debut novel has everything you could ever want to curl up with a hot drink and blanket while you visit the Town of Lavender Falls and watch as two adorable dummies circle around one another while they figure out there feelings!
Ok I hear you saying but why did you give it gave it 3.5 stars Stephanie? While I loved many things about this book I had a hard time staying engaged in the story. Isabel’s story telling is on point but the pacing was also slow for me it was a little wordy. I found myself skimming paragraphs to get to the spoken dialogue because there was a lot of internal dialogue.
Things I loved! Celestino and Lilianna these sweet fall children pinned and danced around each other for 75% of the book and the slow burn was agonizing but very well earned when they do finally make it to the spicy times. Also Celestino is defiantly boyfriend goals and the sweetest Golden retriever protector Hero! I also loved all the side characters their Friend group is an adorable found family with lots of potential for more HEAs! The town of Lavender Falls gave me spooky Stars Hollow vibes with faire, vampires, zombies, werwolf’s and of course some very lovable witches.
This is a low angst cozy fall read with a touch of mystery and lots to fall in love with!
Thank you Isabel Barreiro for this advanced copy all opinions are my own. And congratulation on your lovely Debut!
October 5, 2023
2.5 stars
Okay so I have a lot of conflicting opinions on this. The concept sounded so fun (magical town throwing a fall festival + a bar crawl, like c'mon!) but I think the execution could have been better. And this could use some MAJOR editing. I found plenty of typos and a few spots where the actual dialogue didn't make sense because who was speaking was flipped around (also no question marks on ANY of the questions??). The dialogue felt a little juvenile at times for people in their late 20s to the point that if you removed the smut, it would almost feel YA. I also thought it was a little odd that they never ~really~ addressed the whole not speaking for 8 years thing?
Dislikes aside, I loved that the other characters supported Lilianna almost unconditionally and were always encouraging when she was experiencing severe anxiety and anxiety attacks. I think that was handled really well.
This is a quick read and I did overall enjoy it (or at least not hate it??). And while I didn't particularly liiike the main characters, I LOVED the side characters so I will likely be picking up the next books in this series just to follow them. Hopefully by the time the next books come out, there will also be some development in the editing and dialogue. But, if you like small town vibes, magical creatures, witches, friends-to-lovers, snarky but supportive side characters, and a second chance romance then you might enjoy this!
I did not make a mini playlist for this one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (season of the witch ig?)
Okay so I have a lot of conflicting opinions on this. The concept sounded so fun (magical town throwing a fall festival + a bar crawl, like c'mon!) but I think the execution could have been better. And this could use some MAJOR editing. I found plenty of typos and a few spots where the actual dialogue didn't make sense because who was speaking was flipped around (also no question marks on ANY of the questions??). The dialogue felt a little juvenile at times for people in their late 20s to the point that if you removed the smut, it would almost feel YA. I also thought it was a little odd that they never ~really~ addressed the whole not speaking for 8 years thing?
Dislikes aside, I loved that the other characters supported Lilianna almost unconditionally and were always encouraging when she was experiencing severe anxiety and anxiety attacks. I think that was handled really well.
This is a quick read and I did overall enjoy it (or at least not hate it??). And while I didn't particularly liiike the main characters, I LOVED the side characters so I will likely be picking up the next books in this series just to follow them. Hopefully by the time the next books come out, there will also be some development in the editing and dialogue. But, if you like small town vibes, magical creatures, witches, friends-to-lovers, snarky but supportive side characters, and a second chance romance then you might enjoy this!
I did not make a mini playlist for this one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (season of the witch ig?)
October 11, 2023
If you are looking for a cheesy little romcom this Halloween, look no further. This book hits you with childhood friends-to-lovers, small town, workplace romance tropes.
Our FMC Lilianna Rose is an anxious witch planning for the town's biggest event of the year. If that wasn’t nerve wracking enough, her childhood best friend and longtime crush moves back into town and shocker, is assigned to help her plan the event.
While the entire book was fluffy and adorable, I had some difficulties following who’s POV we were in at times. It bounced back and forth quite a bit and it took me a minute in each new chapter to understand what was going on.
Outside of that, I had a difficult time picturing the scenes. While this magical town was full of all types of witches and creatures, I kept forgetting they had real powers until something happened. It could have just as easily been a normal town that really enjoys the Halloween season and goes all out every year, so I wish they would have been more focused on the magic they had.
The book also moved at an extremely fast pace, which is typically something I enjoy about a good read. In this case, it moved so quickly with little to no background knowledge of our main characters, that I didn’t feel any attachment to them. I wasn’t rooting for them, I was just very indifferent. Taking that time to create characters that we want to succeed is super important and I feel it was skipped over a bit in favor of getting through the main plot of the story.
Overall, I am so glad I read it and want to congratulate Isabel on her debut novel. I am so appreciative of receiving this ARC and was so happy to help with the promo of its release. While it may have fallen a little short with me, I truly believe that it is still an adorable read during this Halloween time. It was a quick read so it won’t hurt you and you’ll be helping support an indie author, so it’s really a win-win. If it sounds interesting to you, check it out and enjoy the spooky season!
Book Rating: 2/5
Spice Rating: 2/5
Our FMC Lilianna Rose is an anxious witch planning for the town's biggest event of the year. If that wasn’t nerve wracking enough, her childhood best friend and longtime crush moves back into town and shocker, is assigned to help her plan the event.
While the entire book was fluffy and adorable, I had some difficulties following who’s POV we were in at times. It bounced back and forth quite a bit and it took me a minute in each new chapter to understand what was going on.
Outside of that, I had a difficult time picturing the scenes. While this magical town was full of all types of witches and creatures, I kept forgetting they had real powers until something happened. It could have just as easily been a normal town that really enjoys the Halloween season and goes all out every year, so I wish they would have been more focused on the magic they had.
The book also moved at an extremely fast pace, which is typically something I enjoy about a good read. In this case, it moved so quickly with little to no background knowledge of our main characters, that I didn’t feel any attachment to them. I wasn’t rooting for them, I was just very indifferent. Taking that time to create characters that we want to succeed is super important and I feel it was skipped over a bit in favor of getting through the main plot of the story.
Overall, I am so glad I read it and want to congratulate Isabel on her debut novel. I am so appreciative of receiving this ARC and was so happy to help with the promo of its release. While it may have fallen a little short with me, I truly believe that it is still an adorable read during this Halloween time. It was a quick read so it won’t hurt you and you’ll be helping support an indie author, so it’s really a win-win. If it sounds interesting to you, check it out and enjoy the spooky season!
Book Rating: 2/5
Spice Rating: 2/5
October 6, 2023
Thank you Isabel for an ARC of this book!
Who gave this book permission to be so cute?! Overall, I found this to be a low-angst story with a fairly low-stakes plot. So this is def a nice, light read if you're coming from a heavy book and need a break. That said, the emotional stakes still felt significant with Celestino and Lilianna working out how to transition from friendship to courtship. This was especially true for Lilianna bc opening up to Celestino meant revealing a part of herself that she had hidden away and the risk of rejection was daunting. Her anxiety, generally and with regards to Celestino, was so relatable. Like how the simplest solution to a problem is not always the first one that comes to mind, especially when it involves something we're not good at. Bc hi, yes, that would be me.
Not for one second did anyone think Celestino would reject Lilianna but seeing her finally acknowledge that the two of them could work was such a sweet moment. Bc she finally trusted him with all her pieces and let's be honest, Celestino would have done anything for her. He loved her that much. ❤
And did I mention the side characters WHO ALL KNEW FEELINGS WERE BREWING AND NUDGED THEM TOGETHER IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? The teasing was so fun and it'll be a treat to see them get a taste of their own medicine. I mean, it'll be interesting to see them get their turn. What's the saying? Meddle and you shall be meddled? No? Huh. 😂
CN: open-door romance, anxiety/anxiety attack
Who gave this book permission to be so cute?! Overall, I found this to be a low-angst story with a fairly low-stakes plot. So this is def a nice, light read if you're coming from a heavy book and need a break. That said, the emotional stakes still felt significant with Celestino and Lilianna working out how to transition from friendship to courtship. This was especially true for Lilianna bc opening up to Celestino meant revealing a part of herself that she had hidden away and the risk of rejection was daunting. Her anxiety, generally and with regards to Celestino, was so relatable. Like how the simplest solution to a problem is not always the first one that comes to mind, especially when it involves something we're not good at. Bc hi, yes, that would be me.
Not for one second did anyone think Celestino would reject Lilianna but seeing her finally acknowledge that the two of them could work was such a sweet moment. Bc she finally trusted him with all her pieces and let's be honest, Celestino would have done anything for her. He loved her that much. ❤
And did I mention the side characters WHO ALL KNEW FEELINGS WERE BREWING AND NUDGED THEM TOGETHER IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? The teasing was so fun and it'll be a treat to see them get a taste of their own medicine. I mean, it'll be interesting to see them get their turn. What's the saying? Meddle and you shall be meddled? No? Huh. 😂
CN: open-door romance, anxiety/anxiety attack
October 5, 2023
𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝖨𝗌𝖺𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖡𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗂𝗋𝗈 (@bell.books.and.coffee)
Omg, Celestino & Liliana are so freaking adorable! Their “will they, won’t they” energy was absolutely KILLING me the entire time. This was a slow burn, and burning was absolutely sloooooooow. I was dying, like just do it already?! Please, I’m begging. The mutual pining? So so good, love mutual pining! Gah, the tension was tensioning and I just needed them to fuck already. I throughly enjoyed this book! And if you know me, slow burn is the absolute last thing I ever want to read, so I feel like that really says something lol 😂
The banter between all the characters, the funny one-liners and the professions of love and lust - ugh, I’ll be thinking about these characters for a while. Every anxious, easily overwhelmed, and bookish girlie or boy, needs a Celestino in their life. The way this man cares for, shows his love, appreciation and affection is so beautiful.
Literally obsessed with their rules and their game, I was like just how far will we take this? Yup, all the way sounds about right! Looooove them!
This was the perfect introduction into the world and series. I’m definitely reading the next book as well because I need to see what happens next!
Thank you so much to @bell.books.and.coffee for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release. I truly appreciate it! 🥰
𝖨𝗌𝖺𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖡𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗂𝗋𝗈 (@bell.books.and.coffee)
Omg, Celestino & Liliana are so freaking adorable! Their “will they, won’t they” energy was absolutely KILLING me the entire time. This was a slow burn, and burning was absolutely sloooooooow. I was dying, like just do it already?! Please, I’m begging. The mutual pining? So so good, love mutual pining! Gah, the tension was tensioning and I just needed them to fuck already. I throughly enjoyed this book! And if you know me, slow burn is the absolute last thing I ever want to read, so I feel like that really says something lol 😂
The banter between all the characters, the funny one-liners and the professions of love and lust - ugh, I’ll be thinking about these characters for a while. Every anxious, easily overwhelmed, and bookish girlie or boy, needs a Celestino in their life. The way this man cares for, shows his love, appreciation and affection is so beautiful.
Literally obsessed with their rules and their game, I was like just how far will we take this? Yup, all the way sounds about right! Looooove them!
This was the perfect introduction into the world and series. I’m definitely reading the next book as well because I need to see what happens next!
Thank you so much to @bell.books.and.coffee for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release. I truly appreciate it! 🥰
January 21, 2024
If you love the vibes from Halloweentown High and Good Witch, YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! I surely did!
When Celestino returns to his small hometown Lavender Falls, he’s pair up with his childhood best friend to plan a bar crawl for the Full Moon Fall Festival coming up. Should be easy peasy except he’s been madly IN LOVE with his best friend for years! And now that he’s returned, he realizes she’s one of the main reasons he missed home so much.
Lilianna is a ball of anxiety and when she runs in to her childhood best friend turned handsome warlock, she starts spiraling. How is she suppose to plan a bar crawl, market the event & juggle her intense feelings for her childhood best friend/crush?! Not to mention her magic is on the fritz.
This book was so cozy and sweet. I absolutely adored it and will probably be rereading it when i need a serotonin boost. Tropes: Small Town Romance Best Friends to Lovers Slow Burn
Paranormal Romance
LOVED:
The tension between Lilianna and Celestino had me swoon. And their banter with each other had me GIDDY. loved.
The anxiety rep in the book made me feel SEEN
THE TOWN. I really just want to move their immediately
The side characters! I can’t wait for them to get their own books!
I am so excited for the next book, Lust Love & Pixie Dust!
This book was so cozy and sweet. I absolutely adored it and will probably be rereading it when i need a serotonin boost. Tropes: Small Town Romance Best Friends to Lovers Slow Burn
Paranormal Romance
LOVED:
The tension between Lilianna and Celestino had me swoon. And their banter with each other had me GIDDY. loved.
The anxiety rep in the book made me feel SEEN
THE TOWN. I really just want to move their immediately
The side characters! I can’t wait for them to get their own books!
I am so excited for the next book, Lust Love & Pixie Dust!
October 8, 2023
Overall 2.5
Had the opportunity to read this as an arc, and I am so grateful to the author for entrusting me with their work, especially a debut novel
This book was a cute small town, witchy, friends to lovers romance.
Overall I think it was fine. I wish we had a little more backstory into the town, and the creatures and things that lived there. I wish there was a little more to the romance, it felt a little surface level. Also, I really wish the chapters had the name of whose POV we were reading. It took me a little to figure out the design for each chapter correlated to whose pov it was, and it made it a little hard to follow.
All that to say I think this book has a lot of potential, I think the story as cute, and I did enjoy it. I know it’s hard as a self published author, so I give a lot of kuddos to Isabel!
Things I loved about the book:
- the cover….obviously
- a Portuguese FMC & MMC & and Portuguese in the book
- the small town feel where everyone knew everyone- felt like stars Hollow
- also thought it was funny that when they cursed, sometimes they would say “stars” as their curse word.
Had the opportunity to read this as an arc, and I am so grateful to the author for entrusting me with their work, especially a debut novel
This book was a cute small town, witchy, friends to lovers romance.
Overall I think it was fine. I wish we had a little more backstory into the town, and the creatures and things that lived there. I wish there was a little more to the romance, it felt a little surface level. Also, I really wish the chapters had the name of whose POV we were reading. It took me a little to figure out the design for each chapter correlated to whose pov it was, and it made it a little hard to follow.
All that to say I think this book has a lot of potential, I think the story as cute, and I did enjoy it. I know it’s hard as a self published author, so I give a lot of kuddos to Isabel!
Things I loved about the book:
- the cover….obviously
- a Portuguese FMC & MMC & and Portuguese in the book
- the small town feel where everyone knew everyone- felt like stars Hollow
- also thought it was funny that when they cursed, sometimes they would say “stars” as their curse word.
October 29, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
thanks isabel for the arc!!
i loooved this book so much. such a cute friends-to-lovers, comfy small town romance. such a great fall read. the relationship between lilianna and celestino was so sweet and i love how understanding celestino was with lilianna’s struggles.
there were a few things about this book that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. one was that the characters often read a bit younger than they were. they often sounded like they were in their early college years even though they’re (i think) in their late 20s. another thing that threw me off was the fact that celestino didn’t talk to anyone back home at all for the 8(?) years that he was gone and when he came back it didn’t seem like an issue at all. they carried on like normal even though if my best friend disappeared for 8 years without speaking a word to me, i’d be a bit upset. i tried to ignore this but it was always at the back of my mind especially when someone brought up celestino’s time away from lavender falls.
apart from those two things, i adored this book so much and im SOOO excited for the rest of the series!!
thanks isabel for the arc!!
i loooved this book so much. such a cute friends-to-lovers, comfy small town romance. such a great fall read. the relationship between lilianna and celestino was so sweet and i love how understanding celestino was with lilianna’s struggles.
there were a few things about this book that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. one was that the characters often read a bit younger than they were. they often sounded like they were in their early college years even though they’re (i think) in their late 20s. another thing that threw me off was the fact that celestino didn’t talk to anyone back home at all for the 8(?) years that he was gone and when he came back it didn’t seem like an issue at all. they carried on like normal even though if my best friend disappeared for 8 years without speaking a word to me, i’d be a bit upset. i tried to ignore this but it was always at the back of my mind especially when someone brought up celestino’s time away from lavender falls.
apart from those two things, i adored this book so much and im SOOO excited for the rest of the series!!
December 8, 2024
This is such a fun book!!!
I had so much fun reading this book! It is a cozy, dual pov, small-town, childhood best friends-to-lovers, workplace, low-fantasy/paranormal romance.
The town is very fun!! And kinda gives Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) vibes! And their bosses, Leo and Ben, kinda give Miss Patty and Babette vibes.
Lilliana and Celestino are super cute, and they have fun banter!! I love all the nicknames he has for her.
I love the side characters, too!! I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. The setup for it in this book is amazing!!
The fantasy elements were very much in the background, but I think they added a lot to the book!! Lilliana is a Witch and Celestino is a Warlock. And there are also Werewolves, Vampires, Pixies, Elves, Sirens, Sprites, a Trickster fox, and probably other creatures I'm forgetting.
Quotes that I loved:
"Something about the shiny rock hanging in space really does it for him"
"Rule number 6: you can eye fuck me anytime"
A quote setting up the couple for the next book that made me scream:
"Leave with that Werewolf and I'm never going to kiss you"
Overall I loved and would HIGHLY recommend this book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had so much fun reading this book! It is a cozy, dual pov, small-town, childhood best friends-to-lovers, workplace, low-fantasy/paranormal romance.
The town is very fun!! And kinda gives Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) vibes! And their bosses, Leo and Ben, kinda give Miss Patty and Babette vibes.
Lilliana and Celestino are super cute, and they have fun banter!! I love all the nicknames he has for her.
I love the side characters, too!! I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. The setup for it in this book is amazing!!
The fantasy elements were very much in the background, but I think they added a lot to the book!! Lilliana is a Witch and Celestino is a Warlock. And there are also Werewolves, Vampires, Pixies, Elves, Sirens, Sprites, a Trickster fox, and probably other creatures I'm forgetting.
Quotes that I loved:
"Something about the shiny rock hanging in space really does it for him"
"Rule number 6: you can eye fuck me anytime"
A quote setting up the couple for the next book that made me scream:
"Leave with that Werewolf and I'm never going to kiss you"
Overall I loved and would HIGHLY recommend this book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2023
“To the chronic overthinkers and deep feelers.”
Thank you so much Isabel for my gifted ARC copy of your book! I’m sorry my review is a little late, but it’s amazing that this book is now out available to anyone and I highly recommend you go check it out 💗
I smiled, giggled, and mentally kicked my feet on the air whilst reading this book <3 there were so many swoony scenes. It was a beautiful slow burn but once the spice kicked in it go s p i c y. Also I loved the humour! The first line was “Fuck Cinderella. Politely of course.” which told me this was going to be fun to read
“I remind you to look at the stars and you remind me to dance under them.” ⭐️
I love Lilianna! She’s a shy anxious bookworm who reads ‘dirty smut’ and who’s middle name is awkward chat, and has a fierce fiery protective side…she’s just like me. She’s also queen of knowing the most random but interesting facts, which we love
“Sure she was what most people would call beautiful but she wasn’t Lilianna.”
Celestino is a new favourite book boyfriend of mine! Even though he’s been away for years he still remembers all the little things about her like how she takes her tea and that she struggles in some social situations. He comes round and takes care of her on her period and bakes her comfort dessert, is so understanding of her anxiety, and just says the most sweetest things 🫶🏻
“At least with pain there was always hope for happiness.”
Thank you so much Isabel for my gifted ARC copy of your book! I’m sorry my review is a little late, but it’s amazing that this book is now out available to anyone and I highly recommend you go check it out 💗
I smiled, giggled, and mentally kicked my feet on the air whilst reading this book <3 there were so many swoony scenes. It was a beautiful slow burn but once the spice kicked in it go s p i c y. Also I loved the humour! The first line was “Fuck Cinderella. Politely of course.” which told me this was going to be fun to read
“I remind you to look at the stars and you remind me to dance under them.” ⭐️
I love Lilianna! She’s a shy anxious bookworm who reads ‘dirty smut’ and who’s middle name is awkward chat, and has a fierce fiery protective side…she’s just like me. She’s also queen of knowing the most random but interesting facts, which we love
“Sure she was what most people would call beautiful but she wasn’t Lilianna.”
Celestino is a new favourite book boyfriend of mine! Even though he’s been away for years he still remembers all the little things about her like how she takes her tea and that she struggles in some social situations. He comes round and takes care of her on her period and bakes her comfort dessert, is so understanding of her anxiety, and just says the most sweetest things 🫶🏻
“At least with pain there was always hope for happiness.”
September 4, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounding up to 4⭐️
This was a cute paranormal romance. The witchy vibes were immaculate. I loved how there were so many different types of paranormal beings in this town: sirens, pixies, warlocks, witches, zombies, elves, etc. The main premise of this book was the town putting on a bar crawl event and giving it that spooky halloween element. I thought it was clever and gave off the perfect fall vibes.
Our love interests are friends and coworkers, and it made for an interesting dynamic. I was struggling with Celestino and Lilianna's interactions because the chemistry felt forced. I wasn't feeling the sparks off the page. This is also technically a slow burn since they don't couple up until past the halfway point, but there was no obvious tension or pining. If there was, it fell flat to me.
Overall, cute story and great vibes. This is a great book if you are solely looking for witchy vibes for the fall season.
This was a cute paranormal romance. The witchy vibes were immaculate. I loved how there were so many different types of paranormal beings in this town: sirens, pixies, warlocks, witches, zombies, elves, etc. The main premise of this book was the town putting on a bar crawl event and giving it that spooky halloween element. I thought it was clever and gave off the perfect fall vibes.
Our love interests are friends and coworkers, and it made for an interesting dynamic. I was struggling with Celestino and Lilianna's interactions because the chemistry felt forced. I wasn't feeling the sparks off the page. This is also technically a slow burn since they don't couple up until past the halfway point, but there was no obvious tension or pining. If there was, it fell flat to me.
Overall, cute story and great vibes. This is a great book if you are solely looking for witchy vibes for the fall season.
October 13, 2023
*** ARC Review ***
A cute, slow-burn romance. The whole rom-com was full of magical vibes and Barreiro entwined the paranormal aspects of the setting in the everyday exchanges between our main characters, introducing a community of witches, warlocks, pixies, vampires, werewolves, sirens and whatever more you can dream up, where everyone comes together.
When Celestino Santos arrives home after eight years away from the supernatural town of Lavender Falls, Lilianna Rosario must come face-to-face with the best friend she has always harnessed feelings for – and vice versa – whilst figuring out how to ensure the Fall Moon Festival is a success with his help. Will they finally get their fairy tale ending?
From the first page, I was excited to read about Lilanna and Celestino as they navigate the path between friendship and something more, although at times it could read mildly confusing, with some repeats of phrases and minor plot points that I would have liked to explore, I had a great time.
If you want a sweet, paranormal romance this Autumn, then I would recommend this one! It brings all those cosy vibes that the dark nights hold with lots of magic in the small town of Lavender Falls.
A cute, slow-burn romance. The whole rom-com was full of magical vibes and Barreiro entwined the paranormal aspects of the setting in the everyday exchanges between our main characters, introducing a community of witches, warlocks, pixies, vampires, werewolves, sirens and whatever more you can dream up, where everyone comes together.
When Celestino Santos arrives home after eight years away from the supernatural town of Lavender Falls, Lilianna Rosario must come face-to-face with the best friend she has always harnessed feelings for – and vice versa – whilst figuring out how to ensure the Fall Moon Festival is a success with his help. Will they finally get their fairy tale ending?
From the first page, I was excited to read about Lilanna and Celestino as they navigate the path between friendship and something more, although at times it could read mildly confusing, with some repeats of phrases and minor plot points that I would have liked to explore, I had a great time.
If you want a sweet, paranormal romance this Autumn, then I would recommend this one! It brings all those cosy vibes that the dark nights hold with lots of magic in the small town of Lavender Falls.
September 27, 2023
Perfectly crafted, feel good fall romance!!! This is Isabel Barreiro's debut novel and all I can say is I devoured it! Full of cozy, heartwarming, and spooky season vibes that leave me wishing magic and Lavender Falls was real.
As someone who has followed her writing journey on social media, Isabel has craftily written a piece of herself and her Portuguese heritage into this book, which in my eyes lends itself to the unique and meaningful love story she has told.
Her book had me giggling out loud with it's witty banter and swoon worthy characters. If you like friends to lovers, HEAs, and small town romance full of mystery and magic, I cannot recommend this book enough!!!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series and eagerly await to return to Lavender Falls!
As someone who has followed her writing journey on social media, Isabel has craftily written a piece of herself and her Portuguese heritage into this book, which in my eyes lends itself to the unique and meaningful love story she has told.
Her book had me giggling out loud with it's witty banter and swoon worthy characters. If you like friends to lovers, HEAs, and small town romance full of mystery and magic, I cannot recommend this book enough!!!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series and eagerly await to return to Lavender Falls!
October 2, 2023
Lilianna and Celestino are best friends that haven’t been as close since high school and are thrown together for an upcoming Festival. I love their dynamic and wanted it all for them! 😍 Such a cute story with some slow burn and spice 🌶️
Their hijinks had me laughing out loud late at night. This transported me to an awesome little town full of tons of fun creatures.
It has sci-fi, fantasy romance vibes and is a perfect read for fall!
Falling for Fairy Tales is a dual POV with lovable side characters that make you fall in love with them and their stories as well.
I legit stayed up super late because I did not want to put it down! I love the vibes this book gave me!
“To the stars above and the monsters below”
Their hijinks had me laughing out loud late at night. This transported me to an awesome little town full of tons of fun creatures.
It has sci-fi, fantasy romance vibes and is a perfect read for fall!
Falling for Fairy Tales is a dual POV with lovable side characters that make you fall in love with them and their stories as well.
I legit stayed up super late because I did not want to put it down! I love the vibes this book gave me!
“To the stars above and the monsters below”
October 7, 2023
💜ARC Review💜
Rating: 4.5 🌟
Spice:🌶️
Friends to Lovers
Anxiety Rep
Falling For Fairytales was one of the most delightful books I’ve read all year! This book had everything I love witches, warlocks, fairies, sirens, and vampires! From start to finish, this book made my heart smile. The FMC and MMC loved one another forever and everyone knew except them. 🤣 The slow burn was SLOWWWW but the storyline kept me engaged. I need each supporting character to get their own book because each of them were intriguing. Isa if Caleb and Elle don’t 😈 by Chapter 3 of there book I might explode. Lol
Congratulations Isa on putting this out, I cannot wait for the world to read this. Thank you for allowing me to arc read your baby!
Rating: 4.5 🌟
Spice:🌶️
Friends to Lovers
Anxiety Rep
Falling For Fairytales was one of the most delightful books I’ve read all year! This book had everything I love witches, warlocks, fairies, sirens, and vampires! From start to finish, this book made my heart smile. The FMC and MMC loved one another forever and everyone knew except them. 🤣 The slow burn was SLOWWWW but the storyline kept me engaged. I need each supporting character to get their own book because each of them were intriguing. Isa if Caleb and Elle don’t 😈 by Chapter 3 of there book I might explode. Lol
Congratulations Isa on putting this out, I cannot wait for the world to read this. Thank you for allowing me to arc read your baby!
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