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Sugar Spells
Laugh-out-loud silly, witchy, and a little bit sweet — Sugar Spells is a gothic cozy fantasy about curses, croissants, and the kind of rivals-to-lovers chaos you can only find in a magical town.
In the quaint, witchy town of Mistwood Hills, Maude’s apothecary thrives on tradition, routine, and a fierce resistance to change. That is, until sunshine incarnate, Wesley Rivers, opens a bakery across the street. His charm, free samples, and growing crowd of customers threaten to upend her business and her peace. When a sabotage spell goes spectacularly wrong, their two shops magically merge, forcing Maude and Wesley into an uneasy partnership.
As they navigate enchanted muffins, potion-spiked pastries, and mismatched clientele, Maude quietly wrestles with a deeper struggle: the loss of her mentor and father figure, and the unfinished spell he left behind. Determined to complete it, she searches for answers between brewing potions and late-night arguments with Wesley, only to find that her grief and her guarded heart are more entangled than she realized.
With the Samhain festival looming, rumors of a curse spreading, and her connection to Wesley growing dangerously strong, Maude must blend her magic with his warmth to fix the mess they have made. In the process, she uncovers the truth behind the spell, the courage to heal, and the reminder that love, like magic, works best when you let it transform you.
In the quaint, witchy town of Mistwood Hills, Maude’s apothecary thrives on tradition, routine, and a fierce resistance to change. That is, until sunshine incarnate, Wesley Rivers, opens a bakery across the street. His charm, free samples, and growing crowd of customers threaten to upend her business and her peace. When a sabotage spell goes spectacularly wrong, their two shops magically merge, forcing Maude and Wesley into an uneasy partnership.
As they navigate enchanted muffins, potion-spiked pastries, and mismatched clientele, Maude quietly wrestles with a deeper struggle: the loss of her mentor and father figure, and the unfinished spell he left behind. Determined to complete it, she searches for answers between brewing potions and late-night arguments with Wesley, only to find that her grief and her guarded heart are more entangled than she realized.
With the Samhain festival looming, rumors of a curse spreading, and her connection to Wesley growing dangerously strong, Maude must blend her magic with his warmth to fix the mess they have made. In the process, she uncovers the truth behind the spell, the courage to heal, and the reminder that love, like magic, works best when you let it transform you.
250 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2025
23 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 13, 2025
I struggled with this one a little but not sure if it was my headspace or what - need to think on it some more
October 12, 2025
“𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏, 𝙼𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕. 𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜.”
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩. 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜.
At first glance, Sugar Spells appears simply cozy and whimsical. Wonder covered in sugar. But once you take a bite, you discover it carries something much deeper - the ache of grief. Ever-present and woven into even the sweetest of moments.
A lament that is tender. A journey that is messy and frayed. A melancholy that is heavy. Sorrow stitched with joy.
J.M. Grosvalet has this supernatural ability to make you FEEL everything. Deep in your bones, in your heart and soul. It’s not forced or fabricated- it’s 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝. It’s raw and real and all-consuming.
She brings the seemingly mundane and ordinary to life, making them feel like magic. Making the simplest of things feel like poetry. From foods to scents to sounds. Making daily tasks in everyday life feel sacred- an ode to the overlooked.
The worlds she’s able to craft are transportive and allow you to get lost in them, to bask in them. Every intentional detail feels like a gift you are rewarded with just for paying attention. You could read one of her books a hundred times over and still glean something new each and every turn.
The way she is able to capture the visceral nature of TENSION and CHEMISTRY on paper…I have no words. I have become quite familiar with the edge of my seat thanks to her. I never know if I am going to scream, throw up, or simply combust on the spot.
This story was a devastating delight. The amount of times I went from laughing out loud to crying my eyes out and back again. While cozy in feel, the stakes and adventure and slow burn propel it forward, making this book difficult to put down. It blends hard truths and comfort and playful joy so effortlessly.
I related to Maude so deeply, sometimes it felt like looking into a mirror. Every single character was so overwhelmingly lovable that I wanted to leap into the pages and live there forever. The romance was utterly precious and believable. A love you will root for. A love that stitches you back together. A love that transforms.
Tied together with the unwavering power of friendship and support. The weight of loss and how we all carry it differently. The messiness of healing. The relief of finally coming home to yourself and not having to bear it all alone anymore. And a lovable, stubborn cat that’s filled with spite.
Much like after devouring a life-changing dessert- with a full belly, sticky fingers & crumbs all over - I will think about this story for a long time…saddened that it’s over, and left just wishing I had one more bite.
Thank you to Julie for providing an e-ARC,
and for reminding me why I love reading, yet again ❤️
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩. 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜.
At first glance, Sugar Spells appears simply cozy and whimsical. Wonder covered in sugar. But once you take a bite, you discover it carries something much deeper - the ache of grief. Ever-present and woven into even the sweetest of moments.
A lament that is tender. A journey that is messy and frayed. A melancholy that is heavy. Sorrow stitched with joy.
J.M. Grosvalet has this supernatural ability to make you FEEL everything. Deep in your bones, in your heart and soul. It’s not forced or fabricated- it’s 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝. It’s raw and real and all-consuming.
She brings the seemingly mundane and ordinary to life, making them feel like magic. Making the simplest of things feel like poetry. From foods to scents to sounds. Making daily tasks in everyday life feel sacred- an ode to the overlooked.
The worlds she’s able to craft are transportive and allow you to get lost in them, to bask in them. Every intentional detail feels like a gift you are rewarded with just for paying attention. You could read one of her books a hundred times over and still glean something new each and every turn.
The way she is able to capture the visceral nature of TENSION and CHEMISTRY on paper…I have no words. I have become quite familiar with the edge of my seat thanks to her. I never know if I am going to scream, throw up, or simply combust on the spot.
This story was a devastating delight. The amount of times I went from laughing out loud to crying my eyes out and back again. While cozy in feel, the stakes and adventure and slow burn propel it forward, making this book difficult to put down. It blends hard truths and comfort and playful joy so effortlessly.
I related to Maude so deeply, sometimes it felt like looking into a mirror. Every single character was so overwhelmingly lovable that I wanted to leap into the pages and live there forever. The romance was utterly precious and believable. A love you will root for. A love that stitches you back together. A love that transforms.
Tied together with the unwavering power of friendship and support. The weight of loss and how we all carry it differently. The messiness of healing. The relief of finally coming home to yourself and not having to bear it all alone anymore. And a lovable, stubborn cat that’s filled with spite.
Much like after devouring a life-changing dessert- with a full belly, sticky fingers & crumbs all over - I will think about this story for a long time…saddened that it’s over, and left just wishing I had one more bite.
Thank you to Julie for providing an e-ARC,
and for reminding me why I love reading, yet again ❤️
November 10, 2025
Sugar Spells by J.M. Grosvalet || Release Date: 11/18/25.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Contains: grumpy x sunshine, cozy fantasy, witch x baker, grief)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
This was such a good read and very well written. This is the first I’ve read from this author and I’ll definitely be reading any future books.
At first I was very upset with how Maude was treating people and her behavior but the more I read the more I started to understand. Maude was a complex character who didn’t quite know how to deal with her grief. I think the topic of grief and how people deal with it differently was done very well. I wanted to be angry at her, but at the same time she was just trying to protect herself.
‘And I don’t know if I’m angry at him for leaving or at myself for being the one left.’ Everything about this was just so sad and I seriously felt for her. Every single time that Maude was open about her grief and the way she was feeling, I was near tears. She was a very relatable character.
Now onto Wesley. He was so patient and was just a saint overall. He was understanding and was there for Maude at every turn even if she couldn’t appreciate it yet. The romance in this was definitely slow burn, but it was worth the wait. Those two had me kicking my feet, it was so cute. The tension was also everything. 10/10 recommend. I would definitely buy this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Contains: grumpy x sunshine, cozy fantasy, witch x baker, grief)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
This was such a good read and very well written. This is the first I’ve read from this author and I’ll definitely be reading any future books.
At first I was very upset with how Maude was treating people and her behavior but the more I read the more I started to understand. Maude was a complex character who didn’t quite know how to deal with her grief. I think the topic of grief and how people deal with it differently was done very well. I wanted to be angry at her, but at the same time she was just trying to protect herself.
‘And I don’t know if I’m angry at him for leaving or at myself for being the one left.’ Everything about this was just so sad and I seriously felt for her. Every single time that Maude was open about her grief and the way she was feeling, I was near tears. She was a very relatable character.
Now onto Wesley. He was so patient and was just a saint overall. He was understanding and was there for Maude at every turn even if she couldn’t appreciate it yet. The romance in this was definitely slow burn, but it was worth the wait. Those two had me kicking my feet, it was so cute. The tension was also everything. 10/10 recommend. I would definitely buy this book.
November 6, 2025
Sugar Spells was everything I love about cozy fantasy wrapped in a darker, gothic edge, warm, magical, healing, and quietly powerful. It hit me in a really personal way. I lost my father a couple of years ago, and watching Maude navigate her own grief felt deeply relatable. Her sadness isn’t dramatic or loud, it’s that quiet, everyday ache you learn to carry and the book portrays that with so much tenderness and honesty.
Maude is such a layered, beautifully written heroine: prickly, hurting, and determined to keep her little elixir shop running even when her world has cracked open. Enter Wesley, the sunshine baker across the street, whose steady warmth and easy charm slowly work their way past her walls. Their dynamic of grumpy witch meets golden-retriever baker was soft, sweet, and so earned. The banter had me smiling, and the chemistry builds in that gentle, slow-burn way that makes every little moment count.
Mistwood Hills itself is pure magic. The descriptions of the woods, the spellcraft, the potions, and the cozy shops make the whole town feel alive. It’s the kind of world you want to step into full of cinnamon, candlelight, and a touch of whimsy even when danger lurks at the edges. The curse element added just enough tension, but the emotional core of the story remains focused on healing, connection, and learning to open the door to joy again.
This book felt like curling up with a warm blanket on a cold day comforting, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I laughed, I ached, and honestly, I felt seen. Sometimes a story finds you exactly when you need it, and Sugar Spells was exactly that for me. An easy five stars and a new cozy fantasy favorite. Thanks to the Author and the Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC.
November 29, 2025
A sweet, cozy fantasy wrapped around the grief of losing a loved one.
Maude, who owns the local apothecary, is dealing with the loss of her guardian when Wesley opens a bakery across the street. Maude is put off by his sunshine and effervescence so she comes up with a spell to sabotage his business and hopefully chase him away. The spell goes awry, throwing the two of them together with the sole purpose of undoing the spell. The only thing is, Wesley is slowly breaking down her walls as well.
Maude and Wesley are the ultimate black cat-golden retriever combination. Despite the front she puts up, her goodness always shines through, with those closest being able to recognize the softness she hides away. I love how this wasn’t an insta-lust romance and that you could see Maude and Wesley’s relationship grow. The epilogue is absolute perfection and made the story feel complete.
In addition, this was also a beautiful story of grief, healing, and finding love after a loss. The author portrayed the process in an authentic way that will resonate with many readers.
If you’re looking for a story that’s sweet with a lot of heart, definitely pick this up.
Thank you to the author and Nerd Fam for the gifted arc!
Maude, who owns the local apothecary, is dealing with the loss of her guardian when Wesley opens a bakery across the street. Maude is put off by his sunshine and effervescence so she comes up with a spell to sabotage his business and hopefully chase him away. The spell goes awry, throwing the two of them together with the sole purpose of undoing the spell. The only thing is, Wesley is slowly breaking down her walls as well.
Maude and Wesley are the ultimate black cat-golden retriever combination. Despite the front she puts up, her goodness always shines through, with those closest being able to recognize the softness she hides away. I love how this wasn’t an insta-lust romance and that you could see Maude and Wesley’s relationship grow. The epilogue is absolute perfection and made the story feel complete.
In addition, this was also a beautiful story of grief, healing, and finding love after a loss. The author portrayed the process in an authentic way that will resonate with many readers.
If you’re looking for a story that’s sweet with a lot of heart, definitely pick this up.
Thank you to the author and Nerd Fam for the gifted arc!
November 3, 2025
(4.5/5) This gothic cozy fantasy was exactly what I needed 🖤
📖 ARC Review 📖
🗓️ Release date: November 18, 2025
What to expect:
🖤 Gothic cozy fantasy
🖤 3rd person, single POV (epilogue in his POV)
🖤 Grumpy witch x sunshine baker
🖤 Curse spell gone wrong
🖤 Grief-healing ARC
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (slow 🔥)
In less than 250 pages, J.M. Grosvalet creates a magical and heartfelt story. I don't normally gravitate towards cozy reads, but I love J.M. Grosvalet's writing style. I'm happy I stepped outside of my norm for this quick read because it felt like wrapping up on the couch with a warm blanket and a cup of tea while it's raining outside.
Sometimes books find you when you need it most, and that's how I feel about Sugar Spells. I recently lost my grandma and have been processing my own grief, and this is a story about coping and healing from one's grief. It was comforting to see the way these characters navigated their own grief together and separately. I'm sharing this personal experience in this book review because it deeply shaped how I experienced and feel about this book.
Maude and Wesley are charming, quirky, and loveable characters, and their chemistry felt natural and authentic. I love that J.M. Grosvalet built up their chemistry through subtle moments (hands brushing, blushing at comments, etc.) rather than just large gestures.
My small critique (and reason for not giving this the full 5-star rating) is I wish Maude came to understand the severity of her actions and/or truly owned up to them/asked for forgivingness. Maybe she did in her own way, but, as a reader, I wanted more growth from her in the end.
A sincere thank you to J.M. Grosvalet for gifting me an ARC and PR box ahead of this book's release date.
I can't wait to see what J.M. Grosvalet releases next!
📖 ARC Review 📖
🗓️ Release date: November 18, 2025
What to expect:
🖤 Gothic cozy fantasy
🖤 3rd person, single POV (epilogue in his POV)
🖤 Grumpy witch x sunshine baker
🖤 Curse spell gone wrong
🖤 Grief-healing ARC
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (slow 🔥)
In less than 250 pages, J.M. Grosvalet creates a magical and heartfelt story. I don't normally gravitate towards cozy reads, but I love J.M. Grosvalet's writing style. I'm happy I stepped outside of my norm for this quick read because it felt like wrapping up on the couch with a warm blanket and a cup of tea while it's raining outside.
Sometimes books find you when you need it most, and that's how I feel about Sugar Spells. I recently lost my grandma and have been processing my own grief, and this is a story about coping and healing from one's grief. It was comforting to see the way these characters navigated their own grief together and separately. I'm sharing this personal experience in this book review because it deeply shaped how I experienced and feel about this book.
Maude and Wesley are charming, quirky, and loveable characters, and their chemistry felt natural and authentic. I love that J.M. Grosvalet built up their chemistry through subtle moments (hands brushing, blushing at comments, etc.) rather than just large gestures.
My small critique (and reason for not giving this the full 5-star rating) is I wish Maude came to understand the severity of her actions and/or truly owned up to them/asked for forgivingness. Maybe she did in her own way, but, as a reader, I wanted more growth from her in the end.
A sincere thank you to J.M. Grosvalet for gifting me an ARC and PR box ahead of this book's release date.
I can't wait to see what J.M. Grosvalet releases next!
November 14, 2025
This book is the definition of cozy gothic fantasy
AND I LOVED IT!!🐈⬛🧁🪄
we have a small town setting & our main girl is a witch who owns her own apothecary= total witchy vibes! Think potions, salves, spells, tinctures etc. Right across the street our “new to town” MMC opens up a bakery - basically bursting her safe mellow bubble with his energetic bright smiley self & all the sticky sweet pastries that leave his shops front door. When a spell goes wrong - merging their 2 shops TOGETHER it forces them in close proximity & they have to navigate how to work together.
Our FMC is relatable on so many levels! I love that she did not change who she was the second a man came onto page. The found family is like a warm hug and I was hungry THIS ENTIRE BOOK with the pastry/bread descriptions🤤🥐 We have grief being navigated in a beautiful & raw way. This was the PERFECT fall cozy read with romance sprinkled in (my bread & butter right there!) but in a realistic way for the length of this story. This is an author that should be on everyone’s watch list & I can’t wait to read more from her !!!!🫶🏼
AND I LOVED IT!!🐈⬛🧁🪄
we have a small town setting & our main girl is a witch who owns her own apothecary= total witchy vibes! Think potions, salves, spells, tinctures etc. Right across the street our “new to town” MMC opens up a bakery - basically bursting her safe mellow bubble with his energetic bright smiley self & all the sticky sweet pastries that leave his shops front door. When a spell goes wrong - merging their 2 shops TOGETHER it forces them in close proximity & they have to navigate how to work together.
Our FMC is relatable on so many levels! I love that she did not change who she was the second a man came onto page. The found family is like a warm hug and I was hungry THIS ENTIRE BOOK with the pastry/bread descriptions🤤🥐 We have grief being navigated in a beautiful & raw way. This was the PERFECT fall cozy read with romance sprinkled in (my bread & butter right there!) but in a realistic way for the length of this story. This is an author that should be on everyone’s watch list & I can’t wait to read more from her !!!!🫶🏼
October 18, 2025
A grumpy witch + an even grumpier cat + a green flag golden retriever MMC who bakes + a hex gone wrong = cozy fantasy magic!
This felt like a warm hug that I didn't know I needed. It had me giggling throughout, with moments that tugged at my heart strings sprinkled in.
FMC Maude is reclusive and cynical, and she is trying to keep her late parental figure's shop afloat while wading through her grief following loss. When happy-go-lucky Wesley opens a bakery across the street, she has the idea to hex him to sabotage his business. However- her hex backfires, merging their stores into a apothecary/confectionery mash up that they must work together to separate.
He loves to push her buttons and she loves to bite back with sarcastic quips, and I loved their dynamic and banter.
This was just the perfect balance of cozy, whimsy, magic, a smidge of adventure, with a beautiful grief healing arc woven throughout.
I am new to cozy fantasy, but I thought the pacing was great, and this also felt like the appropriate length for this story. This is the perfect book to lose yourself in while curled up in a soft blanket with a fall scented candle lit
-Grumpy witch x sunshine baker
-charming side characters
-banter/tension
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-third person POV
-🌶️
This felt like a warm hug that I didn't know I needed. It had me giggling throughout, with moments that tugged at my heart strings sprinkled in.
FMC Maude is reclusive and cynical, and she is trying to keep her late parental figure's shop afloat while wading through her grief following loss. When happy-go-lucky Wesley opens a bakery across the street, she has the idea to hex him to sabotage his business. However- her hex backfires, merging their stores into a apothecary/confectionery mash up that they must work together to separate.
He loves to push her buttons and she loves to bite back with sarcastic quips, and I loved their dynamic and banter.
This was just the perfect balance of cozy, whimsy, magic, a smidge of adventure, with a beautiful grief healing arc woven throughout.
I am new to cozy fantasy, but I thought the pacing was great, and this also felt like the appropriate length for this story. This is the perfect book to lose yourself in while curled up in a soft blanket with a fall scented candle lit
-Grumpy witch x sunshine baker
-charming side characters
-banter/tension
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-third person POV
-🌶️
November 18, 2025
This book has huge cozy Gothic vibes!
Grumpy MFC and sunshine MMC were a great convo in this story.
Maude is a complex character and while she is grumpy and has a strong personality, she has a soft sensitive heart. Wesley was so sweet and patient and the conversations between him and Maude were my favorite.
Loved how the author navigates the topic of grief in such a gentle way. This book was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you Nerd Fam for the eARC.
Grumpy MFC and sunshine MMC were a great convo in this story.
Maude is a complex character and while she is grumpy and has a strong personality, she has a soft sensitive heart. Wesley was so sweet and patient and the conversations between him and Maude were my favorite.
Loved how the author navigates the topic of grief in such a gentle way. This book was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you Nerd Fam for the eARC.
November 18, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I healed. All in 235 pages. A book I will probably reread many times over.
J.M. put her soul into this book and you could feel it. I was laughing at the characters and their banter. There were multiple times that I cried, because of sacrifice and love. And the way she wove this story together healed something in my soul that I didn't know needed healing.
Maude is a lost soul, swimming upstream through life, just trying to run her witch/apothecary shop that was left to her from Bailey who passed away. She is full of so many layers and honestly from the beginning of the story you just want her to find happiness because you can feel that she deserves it.
Wesley is a Baker (easy on the eyes with strong arms) who opens up his pastry shop across the street from Maudes shop. He is cheery, hard working, and loves to push Maudes buttons. Which really leads to the best banter between them.
A spell cast by Maude goes astray and they have to work together to fix it. There are bumps along the way, but slowly they learn to work together, to learn from one another, and form a bond that changes them both. And of course some help from friends along the way, that I also loved so much.
I only have one problem with this book, I want SO MUCH MORE OF IT! I could've eaten up another 200 pages easily.
Thank you JM for to opportunity to ARC read this beautiful story. I will carry Maude and Wesley with me forever.
J.M. put her soul into this book and you could feel it. I was laughing at the characters and their banter. There were multiple times that I cried, because of sacrifice and love. And the way she wove this story together healed something in my soul that I didn't know needed healing.
Maude is a lost soul, swimming upstream through life, just trying to run her witch/apothecary shop that was left to her from Bailey who passed away. She is full of so many layers and honestly from the beginning of the story you just want her to find happiness because you can feel that she deserves it.
Wesley is a Baker (easy on the eyes with strong arms) who opens up his pastry shop across the street from Maudes shop. He is cheery, hard working, and loves to push Maudes buttons. Which really leads to the best banter between them.
A spell cast by Maude goes astray and they have to work together to fix it. There are bumps along the way, but slowly they learn to work together, to learn from one another, and form a bond that changes them both. And of course some help from friends along the way, that I also loved so much.
I only have one problem with this book, I want SO MUCH MORE OF IT! I could've eaten up another 200 pages easily.
Thank you JM for to opportunity to ARC read this beautiful story. I will carry Maude and Wesley with me forever.
January 26, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️ (Rounded for Goodreads)
If you think "cozy" and "gothic fantasy" don't fit together- Sugar Spells is here to prove you wrong. This book was a beautiful exploration of grief and love all in a beautiful gothic fantasy setting. I recieved this originally as an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing as such, it took me a long time to read it in that way that you go slow and put something off because you don't want it to end.
The story has a central focus on a few main characters, our FMC undergoes a lot of growth as she deals with grief of losing her father. It was really refreshing to see the way grief was depicted in such a raw way. This was a perfect combo of black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC. The side characters are also wonderful, though sometimes I wanted more about them.
The story is beautifully written. Lush and descriptive, the author balanced the heaviness of grief very well with the wit, sarcasm, and humor in the characters.
There is one descriptive spice scene near the end. (Which caught me slightly off guard since i wasn't expecting it.)
Overall I loved this book, as someone who has also went through the loss of a parent at a younger age, this may have been one of the first stories I've read that captures it so well, but in a way that didn't also drag me down.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
If you think "cozy" and "gothic fantasy" don't fit together- Sugar Spells is here to prove you wrong. This book was a beautiful exploration of grief and love all in a beautiful gothic fantasy setting. I recieved this originally as an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing as such, it took me a long time to read it in that way that you go slow and put something off because you don't want it to end.
The story has a central focus on a few main characters, our FMC undergoes a lot of growth as she deals with grief of losing her father. It was really refreshing to see the way grief was depicted in such a raw way. This was a perfect combo of black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC. The side characters are also wonderful, though sometimes I wanted more about them.
The story is beautifully written. Lush and descriptive, the author balanced the heaviness of grief very well with the wit, sarcasm, and humor in the characters.
There is one descriptive spice scene near the end. (Which caught me slightly off guard since i wasn't expecting it.)
Overall I loved this book, as someone who has also went through the loss of a parent at a younger age, this may have been one of the first stories I've read that captures it so well, but in a way that didn't also drag me down.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
November 17, 2025
This was such a delightful cozy fantasy! It was the perfect blend of whimsy and heavier themes. Even though there was a strong presence of grief wrapped into the story, it still felt lighthearted enough to where I often had a smile of my face throughout the book.
I absolutely loved the village setting of Mistwood Hills and I thought the whole ordeal regarding Maude and Wesley’s shops and how that brought them together was really original. I loved the descriptions of everything, especially when it came to elements of the curse, the various village shops, magic, and all of the baked goods.
I also really enjoyed the quest aspect of the story pertaining to searching for specific ingredients needed to put a stop the curse. It was nice seeing Wesley try so hard to help even through Maude was resistant. I loved the dynamic between Maude and Wesley since I’m a sucker for the grumpy sunshine trope and it was done so well.
Read this if you like:
🥐 Grumpy Witch/sunshine baker
🧪 Spells gone wrong
🥐 Found family
🧪 Grief rep
🥐 Rivals to lovers
If you are looking for your next binge worthy cozy fantasy definitely check this one out.
I absolutely loved the village setting of Mistwood Hills and I thought the whole ordeal regarding Maude and Wesley’s shops and how that brought them together was really original. I loved the descriptions of everything, especially when it came to elements of the curse, the various village shops, magic, and all of the baked goods.
I also really enjoyed the quest aspect of the story pertaining to searching for specific ingredients needed to put a stop the curse. It was nice seeing Wesley try so hard to help even through Maude was resistant. I loved the dynamic between Maude and Wesley since I’m a sucker for the grumpy sunshine trope and it was done so well.
Read this if you like:
🥐 Grumpy Witch/sunshine baker
🧪 Spells gone wrong
🥐 Found family
🧪 Grief rep
🥐 Rivals to lovers
If you are looking for your next binge worthy cozy fantasy definitely check this one out.
November 10, 2025
Sugar Spells is an enjoyable, cozy read with an FMC experiencing grief, while also exuding a ferocity and standoffishness akin to Wednesday Adams.
I read this book in one evening. It was sweet, and short with all the best fall, small town vibes, and low stakes.
Thank you to TheNerd Fam and the author for the opportunity to read this book as an e-ARC.
The grief representation for Maude (the FMC) was well done. The MMC, Wesley, is a baker who seems immune to Maude’s vitriol and was a definite golden retriever! I enjoyed the side characters Oli and Selene. They brought great banter and comedic relief to the heavier topics discussed throughout. And of course, Grim, rules the world in all his cat glory 🐈⬛
The plot was slow to medium paced. I really enjoyed this author’s descriptive writing style.
The world building was a little confusing for me. At times, I struggled to pinpoint a goal time period for this book. Characters used candles and the setting seemed medieval, but terminology is used that is current day, such as “on brand.” Did they have pastel pastry boxes in medieval times? I also wasn’t clear on the presence and prevalence of witches in this story. Was Maude the only witch in the whole town? Are witches only the children that come from the Wild?
This book had spice, I’d say a 2 🌶️. The spice is one scene near the end of the story.
Some tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Black Cat/Golden Retriever
- He Falls First
- Small Town
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would read other books by this author.
I read this book in one evening. It was sweet, and short with all the best fall, small town vibes, and low stakes.
Thank you to TheNerd Fam and the author for the opportunity to read this book as an e-ARC.
The grief representation for Maude (the FMC) was well done. The MMC, Wesley, is a baker who seems immune to Maude’s vitriol and was a definite golden retriever! I enjoyed the side characters Oli and Selene. They brought great banter and comedic relief to the heavier topics discussed throughout. And of course, Grim, rules the world in all his cat glory 🐈⬛
The plot was slow to medium paced. I really enjoyed this author’s descriptive writing style.
The world building was a little confusing for me. At times, I struggled to pinpoint a goal time period for this book. Characters used candles and the setting seemed medieval, but terminology is used that is current day, such as “on brand.” Did they have pastel pastry boxes in medieval times? I also wasn’t clear on the presence and prevalence of witches in this story. Was Maude the only witch in the whole town? Are witches only the children that come from the Wild?
This book had spice, I’d say a 2 🌶️. The spice is one scene near the end of the story.
Some tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Black Cat/Golden Retriever
- He Falls First
- Small Town
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would read other books by this author.
November 18, 2025
This sweet cozy mystery is so much more! Sugar Spells is a whimsically frosted gothic romance, underscored with the bitter tang of grief, and sprinkled with magical suspense.
I absolutely adored the sunshine-cinnamon roll Wesley, and enjoyed the push and pull against the broody Maude. Their banter was great and I felt the development of the relationship was perfectly timed and balanced well with the rest of the narrative.
The entire story is perfectly paced with just the right tone. Even the side characters are layered and vibrant. Equally dynamic, the quirky magic that drives the plot had me just as charmed as the baked goods. I love it when a curse can be fanciful and while still posing a serious threat.
At its core, this story is a heartwarming journey of healing, aided by the warmth of a blooming love. There is a running theme of balance - sweet and savory, grumpy and sunshine, flowers in the shadows, pain hidden in beauty - and I felt like there was a message of hope. Life goes on and good things come, even in a time of grief.
I absolutely adored the sunshine-cinnamon roll Wesley, and enjoyed the push and pull against the broody Maude. Their banter was great and I felt the development of the relationship was perfectly timed and balanced well with the rest of the narrative.
The entire story is perfectly paced with just the right tone. Even the side characters are layered and vibrant. Equally dynamic, the quirky magic that drives the plot had me just as charmed as the baked goods. I love it when a curse can be fanciful and while still posing a serious threat.
At its core, this story is a heartwarming journey of healing, aided by the warmth of a blooming love. There is a running theme of balance - sweet and savory, grumpy and sunshine, flowers in the shadows, pain hidden in beauty - and I felt like there was a message of hope. Life goes on and good things come, even in a time of grief.
January 27, 2026
It was cute but something was missing.
November 20, 2025
Suger spells
4.5⭐
Maude’s apothecary sits alone and reclusive until Wesley, a literal sunshine opens a bakery across the street, infuriating her. Her sabotage plan goes very, very wrong, leaving their shops accidentally merged. Now Maude and Wesley race against time to undo the chaos while she wrestles with her grief and the truth that the real fix might be blending her magic with his warmth.
HOLYYY!! An amazingly gorgeous book! There's something about cozy fantasy books that just hits the spot!
The reverse grumpy×sunshine trope is immaculately done!!
• The way Maudie girl was the grumpiest grumpy and Wesley being the literal definition of sunshine and how she was about to strangle him just for being that bright~ 😂 I was cracking in the best way possible!
• Maude's humor, wit and charm was soo intense! I love love her.
• Did I mention that he was the sunshiny Baker that opened a new shop opposite to her very dark and broody witchy one? And she's offended just by the sight of it?? Aghhh! Charming 💋! She originally called him Bakery bastard? And wanted to sabotage himm??!! 🙊💗
• loved that she had her very obvious flaws, but took responsibility for her actions (begrudgingly 😂)
• Grief and overcoming it was represented in such an amazing, relatable way.
• I loved the easy, lovable friendship between Oli, Maude and Selene, the way they were always there for her!
• The way Maude slowly accepted Wesley, and accepted grief felt soo touching to read!
• Her growth was distinctive, amazing and the adored each and every moment of it!
• This book made me laugh, grin and just giggle at the way Maude and Wesley interacted.
• The plot was so fun, and well thought through, I loveddd it!!! The writing was VERY very delicious, easy to read and poetic at the same time!
• The world-building was so good, the town, the magic and alll!
📨✨
Overall, I am absolutely absolutely floored by this book, I enjoyed it very much and would always recommend it.
Thanks Nerdfam for this ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
✒️Tropes
• Cozy Gothic Fantasy
• Witch × Bakery
• Reverse grumpy× sunshine
• Rivals to lovers
• Healing from grief
• Sabotage gone wrong
• Standalone
• Single POV (Maude's), Epilogue in Wesley's POV
4.5⭐
He could live a thousand lifetimes and never have enough of her. He was hers. Entirely. Always.
Maude’s apothecary sits alone and reclusive until Wesley, a literal sunshine opens a bakery across the street, infuriating her. Her sabotage plan goes very, very wrong, leaving their shops accidentally merged. Now Maude and Wesley race against time to undo the chaos while she wrestles with her grief and the truth that the real fix might be blending her magic with his warmth.
HOLYYY!! An amazingly gorgeous book! There's something about cozy fantasy books that just hits the spot!
The reverse grumpy×sunshine trope is immaculately done!!
• The way Maudie girl was the grumpiest grumpy and Wesley being the literal definition of sunshine and how she was about to strangle him just for being that bright~ 😂 I was cracking in the best way possible!
• Maude's humor, wit and charm was soo intense! I love love her.
• Did I mention that he was the sunshiny Baker that opened a new shop opposite to her very dark and broody witchy one? And she's offended just by the sight of it?? Aghhh! Charming 💋! She originally called him Bakery bastard? And wanted to sabotage himm??!! 🙊💗
• loved that she had her very obvious flaws, but took responsibility for her actions (begrudgingly 😂)
• Grief and overcoming it was represented in such an amazing, relatable way.
• I loved the easy, lovable friendship between Oli, Maude and Selene, the way they were always there for her!
• The way Maude slowly accepted Wesley, and accepted grief felt soo touching to read!
• Her growth was distinctive, amazing and the adored each and every moment of it!
• This book made me laugh, grin and just giggle at the way Maude and Wesley interacted.
• The plot was so fun, and well thought through, I loveddd it!!! The writing was VERY very delicious, easy to read and poetic at the same time!
• The world-building was so good, the town, the magic and alll!
📨✨
Overall, I am absolutely absolutely floored by this book, I enjoyed it very much and would always recommend it.
Thanks Nerdfam for this ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
✒️Tropes
• Cozy Gothic Fantasy
• Witch × Bakery
• Reverse grumpy× sunshine
• Rivals to lovers
• Healing from grief
• Sabotage gone wrong
• Standalone
• Single POV (Maude's), Epilogue in Wesley's POV
November 20, 2025
“Come on, menace. One song.” She folded her arms. “I bite.” “I’m vaccinated.” He offered his hand again, palm up. “Please?”
This is a story about a grumpy witch named Maude and a sunshine baker named Wesley. He has the audacity to open a bright and happy bakery right across from her dark and moody spell shop, so naturally, Maude must craft a sabotage spell to run him off her street. Unfortunately for them, the spell goes haywire and the two shops are magically merged into one chaotic mess! They’re forced to work together to undo this accidental curse and maybe even fall in love along the way…
“I think I might even be happy. Which is disgusting—and, if I’m right, entirely your fault.”
The banter is witty and the story is the perfect mix of silly and sweet. The characters are entertaining and well developed. She is grumpy and He is sunshine. Maude and Wesley are the epitome of opposites attract and, much to Maude’s chagrin, are the perfect pair. To top it off, the writing was so incredibly good. It had me sucked in from page one. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy this is the perfect story for you!
“The cracks you think make you broken—the edges you think cut too deep—they’re beautiful. Every piece of you is.”
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC ❤️
This is a story about a grumpy witch named Maude and a sunshine baker named Wesley. He has the audacity to open a bright and happy bakery right across from her dark and moody spell shop, so naturally, Maude must craft a sabotage spell to run him off her street. Unfortunately for them, the spell goes haywire and the two shops are magically merged into one chaotic mess! They’re forced to work together to undo this accidental curse and maybe even fall in love along the way…
“I think I might even be happy. Which is disgusting—and, if I’m right, entirely your fault.”
The banter is witty and the story is the perfect mix of silly and sweet. The characters are entertaining and well developed. She is grumpy and He is sunshine. Maude and Wesley are the epitome of opposites attract and, much to Maude’s chagrin, are the perfect pair. To top it off, the writing was so incredibly good. It had me sucked in from page one. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy this is the perfect story for you!
“The cracks you think make you broken—the edges you think cut too deep—they’re beautiful. Every piece of you is.”
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC ❤️
November 12, 2025
This book feels like cozy chaos in pastry form. One minute you’re giggling at bewitched croissants, the next you’re quietly emotional over a witch learning to heal. It’s the literary equivalent of spilling cinnamon sugar all over your counter and still calling it a success.
I adored the banter, the magical misfires, and the soft ache underneath all the flour dust. It’s witchcore comfort with a pinch of emotional damage and yet it somehow still manages to smell like warm bread and grief therapy. My only complaint is that I wanted one more chapter of their chaotic domestic nonsense.
Tropes:
☕ rivals-to-lovers
🌙 sunshine × grumpy
🏡 small-town magic
🪄 accidental spell gone wrong
💀 healing through grief
🍰 forced proximity (magically fused workplace edition)
💋 slow-burn chemistry that finally hits like espresso
✨ You’ll like this if you:
• love witchy small towns that feel alive (and mildly cursed)
• enjoy banter that sounds like foreplay
• secretly want to open a bakery but would 100% burn the first batch
• crave cozy fantasy that still tugs at your heart a little
💬 TL;DR:
Cinnamon-scented chaos, emotionally constipated witches, and baked-goods flirting.
I adored the banter, the magical misfires, and the soft ache underneath all the flour dust. It’s witchcore comfort with a pinch of emotional damage and yet it somehow still manages to smell like warm bread and grief therapy. My only complaint is that I wanted one more chapter of their chaotic domestic nonsense.
Tropes:
☕ rivals-to-lovers
🌙 sunshine × grumpy
🏡 small-town magic
🪄 accidental spell gone wrong
💀 healing through grief
🍰 forced proximity (magically fused workplace edition)
💋 slow-burn chemistry that finally hits like espresso
✨ You’ll like this if you:
• love witchy small towns that feel alive (and mildly cursed)
• enjoy banter that sounds like foreplay
• secretly want to open a bakery but would 100% burn the first batch
• crave cozy fantasy that still tugs at your heart a little
💬 TL;DR:
Cinnamon-scented chaos, emotionally constipated witches, and baked-goods flirting.
November 18, 2025
Oh, how I loved this story! It was the perfect cozy fantasy sprinkled with gothic elements, love to warm your heart, quiet healing for those moments of grief, and the perfectly timed and much-needed laugh-out-loud moments throughout the story.
I absolutely adored Maude and her character. Beautifully written, she was our grumpy, brooding fmc, who secretly helped everyone she could without batting an eye. Her grief was real and dynamic, and I felt it throughout this whole story. Wesley was the sunshine to Maude’s grumpiness. The banter between them was so much fun, with hints of attraction that kept the slow burn going. His love and patience for Maude were amazing, and he just made the story that much more heartfelt and warm. Oliver and Selene were the light in the dark. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times because they created such an amazing dynamic as three best friends, always there for each other, and I absolutely loved it.
This story was a breath of fresh air and just the perfect story to read at the perfect moment. I absolutely recommend adding this beautiful story to your TBR. J.M. Grosvalet is now an automatic read author!
I absolutely adored Maude and her character. Beautifully written, she was our grumpy, brooding fmc, who secretly helped everyone she could without batting an eye. Her grief was real and dynamic, and I felt it throughout this whole story. Wesley was the sunshine to Maude’s grumpiness. The banter between them was so much fun, with hints of attraction that kept the slow burn going. His love and patience for Maude were amazing, and he just made the story that much more heartfelt and warm. Oliver and Selene were the light in the dark. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times because they created such an amazing dynamic as three best friends, always there for each other, and I absolutely loved it.
This story was a breath of fresh air and just the perfect story to read at the perfect moment. I absolutely recommend adding this beautiful story to your TBR. J.M. Grosvalet is now an automatic read author!
November 20, 2025
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sugar Spells was a cute, cozy little read! I loved the potions-and-pastries vibe, and Maude’s grief arc honestly hit me in the feels more than I expected. Her grumpy witch energy paired with Wesley’s sunshine chaos? Adorable! Their dynamic had me smiling more than once.
I did struggle to get hooked at first, though. The worldbuilding felt a bit light, and the super whimsical tone pulled me out a few times. Definitely more cozy fantasy than romantasy.
But overall, it was a sweet, magical story with charm, mayhem, and a soft touch of romance!
**I received this eARC from The Nerd Fam and the author J. M. Grosvalet. Thank you for this opportunity! All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. **
Sugar Spells was a cute, cozy little read! I loved the potions-and-pastries vibe, and Maude’s grief arc honestly hit me in the feels more than I expected. Her grumpy witch energy paired with Wesley’s sunshine chaos? Adorable! Their dynamic had me smiling more than once.
I did struggle to get hooked at first, though. The worldbuilding felt a bit light, and the super whimsical tone pulled me out a few times. Definitely more cozy fantasy than romantasy.
But overall, it was a sweet, magical story with charm, mayhem, and a soft touch of romance!
**I received this eARC from The Nerd Fam and the author J. M. Grosvalet. Thank you for this opportunity! All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. **
November 18, 2025
Sugar Spells is everything I love in cozy fantasy with a hint of gothic warmth. Maude’s quiet, honest journey through grief felt incredibly real, and her slow-burn dynamic with Wesley, the sunshine baker across the street is soft, sweet, and irresistible. Mistwood Hills is a magical, comforting world with just enough danger to keep you hooked, but at its heart this story is about healing and letting joy back in. It felt like a warm blanket on a cold day! Tender , cozy, and beautifully written. An easy five stars.
November 17, 2025
this was the sweetest book ever omg 🥹
i loved the whole grumpy x sunshine trope except she’s the grumpy one hehe and he was always so happy to be there and help her 😩
the slowest burn ever but i ate up every crumb when they finally kissed 🤭 the ending had my eyes watery bc of how sweet it was!! pls what a cute read!! also the one time where a blonde mmc was acceptable 🙂↕️
also grim the cat was the best i love him
i loved the whole grumpy x sunshine trope except she’s the grumpy one hehe and he was always so happy to be there and help her 😩
the slowest burn ever but i ate up every crumb when they finally kissed 🤭 the ending had my eyes watery bc of how sweet it was!! pls what a cute read!! also the one time where a blonde mmc was acceptable 🙂↕️
also grim the cat was the best i love him
November 16, 2025
A wonderful heartfelt cozy slow burn fantasy. A Grumpy x Sunshine, rivals to lovers trope. The FMC is the grump and the MMC is the sunshine. Maude is such a relatable character and all she’s gone through, you understand why she’s grumpy. I also couldn’t help but fall in love with Wesley! He’s such a cinnamon roll. This was such a wonderful read! Thank you so much to the Nerd Fam and J.M. Grosvalt for the gifted eARC, I enjoyed every minute of this book.
January 3, 2026
I loved Maude and Wesley SO much. Their relationship and growth is a treasure.
This book is special. It is a grumpy/sunshine love story with lots of banter (!!!) but it explores themes of grief and healing so go into it with an open heart and mind. 🥰
My favorite indie author of the year 🥹
This book is special. It is a grumpy/sunshine love story with lots of banter (!!!) but it explores themes of grief and healing so go into it with an open heart and mind. 🥰
My favorite indie author of the year 🥹
November 9, 2025
Full review to come but this was incredible 🥹
December 2, 2025
I feel cured by this book 🥹
the coziest fantasy that battles the worst of grief and still makes you laugh and smile
RTC
Edit ✍️
the coziest, opposites attract, wickedly delicious book you’ll ever read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
in less than 300 pages, we are immersed in a world mixed between whoville and harry potter where villagers love to shop for anything and everything. Our black cat FMC, Maude, grumpily runs a shop of oddities and potions, happens to notice a shop owner moving in next door.
It is not in her plans to share anything with anyone, let alone some random shop owner and his cute-as-a-button bakery. It’s hard enough dealing with life after the loss of her closest family member, and she can’t bother with other attachments. Until one day, she casts a spell to condemn the bakery … only it takes her down with it!
Figuring out how to work through grief and keep your heart open to life is a hard thing to learn for most people, and our FMC is no exception. How do you let someone in when you constantly feel unwanted?
Take the time to try this read, and see Maude holds any characteristics you can see yourself.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲
cozy fantasy books
emotional reads
low stake plots
sarcastic humor
any easy read
supporting indie authors
sassy cat characters
opposites attract
the coziest fantasy that battles the worst of grief and still makes you laugh and smile
RTC
Edit ✍️
the coziest, opposites attract, wickedly delicious book you’ll ever read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
in less than 300 pages, we are immersed in a world mixed between whoville and harry potter where villagers love to shop for anything and everything. Our black cat FMC, Maude, grumpily runs a shop of oddities and potions, happens to notice a shop owner moving in next door.
It is not in her plans to share anything with anyone, let alone some random shop owner and his cute-as-a-button bakery. It’s hard enough dealing with life after the loss of her closest family member, and she can’t bother with other attachments. Until one day, she casts a spell to condemn the bakery … only it takes her down with it!
Figuring out how to work through grief and keep your heart open to life is a hard thing to learn for most people, and our FMC is no exception. How do you let someone in when you constantly feel unwanted?
Take the time to try this read, and see Maude holds any characteristics you can see yourself.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲
cozy fantasy books
emotional reads
low stake plots
sarcastic humor
any easy read
supporting indie authors
sassy cat characters
opposites attract
December 9, 2025
4.5/5
this was an adorable story, and such a perfect cozy fantasy! I loved the character dynamics, and watching Maude learn to open up and accept both romantic and platonic love was so heart warming. I came out of this book feeling so good, it’s a perfect quick and cozy read!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC!
this was an adorable story, and such a perfect cozy fantasy! I loved the character dynamics, and watching Maude learn to open up and accept both romantic and platonic love was so heart warming. I came out of this book feeling so good, it’s a perfect quick and cozy read!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC!
November 23, 2025
Maybe healing looks a little like cursed cupcakes, a baker who never balks, and people who love you even when you can't love yourself.
ARC Review – Sugar Spells by J.M. Grosvalet 🍰✨
Laugh-out-loud silly, witchy, and a little bit sweet — this cozy fantasy with gothic and gaslamp vibes is about curses, croissants, and a rivals-to-lovers duo forced to share a magically merged bakery.
Beneath the enchanted muffins and potion-spiked pastries lies something deeper: a story about grief, healing, and finding magic in the connections we forge with others... whether we (or our feline 🐈⬛ overlords) like it or not 😅
Maude, our witch FMC and Wesley, our green flag but too-tough-to-be-a-golden-retriever "bakery bastard" (Maude's words, not mine) MMC are the perfectly imperfect pair. The banter and zingers flow freely, and sometimes the silence of a smirk was the loudest, most telling thing. I have such a hard time describing this story and doing it justice. There's adventure and danger, but also a lot of heart, and for lovers of all-the-time tension and the slowest of burns, some scorching payoff spice. Not to mention, J.M.'s writing style reads as effortlessly fluid and magical in its own right.
J.M. mentioned this in the author note: "...Maude’s journey— the guarded walls she hides behind, the way she resists joy even as it finds her, and the way love sneaks in anyway." I read it and thought, ok, Maude is going to read kind of like my boyfriend. And sometimes? Yeah. But fam, it hit ME hard. Not long ago, I was clawing my way out of my own dark place, as I'm sure many of you all have too, and this book reminded me that you don’t have to do it alone.
May we all find our own partners who never fail to show up for us, even when we can't show up for ourselves , and a group of unruly friends who refuse to let us give up. 💕
⭐ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2.5/5
Thank you to JM Grosvalet for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
---------------------
original review:
This is absolutely a 5 star ⭐ book, but right now I'm sobbing (thanks J.M. 😅), so I'll update this review shortly when I've had time to look through my notes and gather my thoughts in a way that's hopefully deserving of this beautiful story.
ARC Review – Sugar Spells by J.M. Grosvalet 🍰✨
Laugh-out-loud silly, witchy, and a little bit sweet — this cozy fantasy with gothic and gaslamp vibes is about curses, croissants, and a rivals-to-lovers duo forced to share a magically merged bakery.
Beneath the enchanted muffins and potion-spiked pastries lies something deeper: a story about grief, healing, and finding magic in the connections we forge with others... whether we (or our feline 🐈⬛ overlords) like it or not 😅
Maude, our witch FMC and Wesley, our green flag but too-tough-to-be-a-golden-retriever "bakery bastard" (Maude's words, not mine) MMC are the perfectly imperfect pair. The banter and zingers flow freely, and sometimes the silence of a smirk was the loudest, most telling thing. I have such a hard time describing this story and doing it justice. There's adventure and danger, but also a lot of heart, and for lovers of all-the-time tension and the slowest of burns, some scorching payoff spice. Not to mention, J.M.'s writing style reads as effortlessly fluid and magical in its own right.
J.M. mentioned this in the author note: "...Maude’s journey— the guarded walls she hides behind, the way she resists joy even as it finds her, and the way love sneaks in anyway." I read it and thought, ok, Maude is going to read kind of like my boyfriend. And sometimes? Yeah. But fam, it hit ME hard. Not long ago, I was clawing my way out of my own dark place, as I'm sure many of you all have too, and this book reminded me that you don’t have to do it alone.
May we all find our own partners who never fail to show up for us, even when we can't show up for ourselves , and a group of unruly friends who refuse to let us give up. 💕
⭐ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2.5/5
Thank you to JM Grosvalet for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
---------------------
original review:
This is absolutely a 5 star ⭐ book, but right now I'm sobbing (thanks J.M. 😅), so I'll update this review shortly when I've had time to look through my notes and gather my thoughts in a way that's hopefully deserving of this beautiful story.
January 13, 2026
I was interested in the beginning, but starting around 35%, the story was losing steam for me. Oli and Wesley were too similar with their bright personality. And Maude kept doing foolish things and having foolish judgment. The story made it seem like she has been incompetent her whole life...even when she was with Bailey. I do like FMCs to be grumpy, but Maude was too much....I felt that she had no other personality or unique traits besides being a major grump.
I DNF'd at 49%..I sadly couldn't connect with the characters. The grumpiness was getting repetitive. The writing did allow me to mentally conjure up images of the characters and setting. But I'm ready to move onto another book. Maybe cosy books like this just aren't my thing.
I DNF'd at 49%..I sadly couldn't connect with the characters. The grumpiness was getting repetitive. The writing did allow me to mentally conjure up images of the characters and setting. But I'm ready to move onto another book. Maybe cosy books like this just aren't my thing.
November 5, 2025
I really connected more with this book than I was planning to when signing up for the arc. After reading the authors note about sibling loss and grief being a cornerstone of this story, I knew I was done for. I lost my brother in 2020 when I was 22 (age of the fmc). I was shocked by how well grief was portrayed in this book. Grief never goes away and this book showed Maude choosing a healthy way to open up, allow for joy, love and to heal along side the grief.
I was very impressed with this book and how it made me feel. It’s not my usual style but I fell in love with it quickly. The story draws you in even with it being a shorter book. So far I’ve loved everything this author has written.
I was very impressed with this book and how it made me feel. It’s not my usual style but I fell in love with it quickly. The story draws you in even with it being a shorter book. So far I’ve loved everything this author has written.
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