Charming Fools And Magic School

by Jessica Florence

She thought being a single mom was hard, then she went to Magic School. 
A mystical second chance where the armor gossips, the hot flashes actually flash,
​​​​​​​and the billionaire comes with the castle.


One minute, Temperance was a single empty nester. The next, she’s a newly awakened witch.

When a construction accident rips open the realms and unleashes magic across the globe, a portion of humanity inherits strange new powers. For Temperance, magic isn’t just chaos but a second chance to discover who she is outside of being a mom.

Her sudden magical invitation to the McKenzie Institute feels like a do-over she never expected. All she has to do is master spellcasting, pass Potions without singeing her eyebrows, and explore what she wants for herself.

Enter Rylan McKenzie, the billionaire who founded the academy. He has cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass, is dangerously charming, and seems far too interested in her.

When a string of sabotage attempts threatens the institute, Temperance must choose between playing it safe or embracing her new gifts.  

Magic gave her a second shot at life.
If she’s brave enough to take it, will she leave the academy stronger… or with her heart in pieces?


Charming Fools and Magic School is a cozy paranormal romance mixed in a cauldron and is full of ingredients like
Yearning
Found Family
Billionaire MC
Single Mom
Later in Life
He Falls First
Talking Dramatic Familiars
Second Chances. 

Genres: Romance, Magic, Fantasy

Published December 21, 2025

About the author

Jessica Florence writes the stories that her fellow nerds yearn for.

From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.

Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.

Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.

CONNECT WITH J-FLO:

➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence

➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this and finished it in a day and loved every minute. Charming Fools and Magic School is everything I want from a cozy fantasy romance: whimsical, comforting, magical, and full of heart.

The magic school setting is charming and easy to sink into, packed with playful, enchanting details that made this such a fun, cozy read. Temperance completely stole my heart. Watching her step into magic and rediscover who she is outside of motherhood was genuinely touching.

The romance was adorable and swoony with great chemistry and supportive energy, and Rylan was the perfect charming, intriguing MMC for this kind of book.

This made me smile the entire time I was reading. If you love cozy fantasy, magic schools, found family, and feel-good romance, I highly recommend picking this one up

[Megan Markey · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars, rounded up)

This ended up being a really enjoyable palate cleanser for me. Charming Fools & Magic School is very much a cozy rom-com fantasy, and once I settled into that mindset, I had a lot of fun with it.

I loved the premise of adults suddenly gaining magical abilities after a major event. It felt fresh and playful, and I really enjoyed the magic school setting designed for grownups rather than teens. Temperance’s storyline as a single mom figuring out who she is now that her daughter is grown really worked for me. I appreciated how attentive and connected she still was with her daughter while also trying to reclaim herself and explore this new chapter of her life.

That said, the tone felt a little uneven for me at times. While the characters are meant to be in their late 30s to 40s, they often came across as younger and a bit immature, which gave the book a slightly YA feel. That contrast stood out even more because of the explicit language and scenes sprinkled throughout. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it did take a bit of adjustment.

The humor was a highlight and definitely kept me turning pages. I enjoyed Temperance and Rylan’s interactions for the most part, but Remy completely stole the show for me. As a neurodivergent adult, I found her incredibly relatable and genuinely loved how her personality was written. She was easily my favorite character and added something special to the story.

This book won’t work for everyone, especially if you’re looking for something more emotionally mature or tightly paced, but as a fun, cozy, low-stress read, it really worked for me. I finished it feeling entertained, which is exactly what I wanted from it.

[Y. Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with Charming Fools & Magic School from chapter one and didn’t want to put it down. This story is warm, fun, heartfelt, and threaded with a refreshingly unique take on magic and magic schools.

The premise alone had me hooked. A woman whose entire identity has been wrapped up in being a mom suddenly facing empty-nester life… only for magic to enter her world. That combination of self-rediscovery, found family, and unexpected power was everything I didn’t know I needed in a fantasy story.

Temperance completely stole my heart. She’s funny, deeply loyal, dedicated, and carries just enough insecurity to make her incredibly relatable. Watching her find herself and her people was both magical and emotionally satisfying.

And Rylan… I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say his secret only makes him even more swoon-worthy.

I’ve loved Jessica Florence’s Onyx and Hero Society series, but she truly outdid herself with this one. This story hit every note I love about reading: cozy vibes, strong characters, humor layered with emotional depth, and a sense of wonder.

i highly recommend Charming Fools & Magic School if you love cozy fantasy with heart, humor, and a little magic for the soul.

[A Court of Stars and Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!

This book has charmed me! It's a whimsical, cozy fantasy romance that I fell in love with!

There are so many things to love about this book and here are just a few:
✨️ Magic School Setting
👑 35-year-old, Single Mom FMC
💖 Cinnamon Roll, Billionaire MMC - Rylan is a tall, dark, and handsome dream! 😍
🐍 Animal Familiars - One likes to play dress-up! 🤭
🐦‍⬛ Sassy, Funny Side Characters - Imogene is hilarious!!

Aside from the spice 😏🔥, this book was so wholesome! I loved the genuine love and relationship between Temperance, the FMC, and her daughter.

Following along with Temperance's journey as she becomes a witch and an empty-nester at roughly the same time was entertaining and the non-magical parts were so relatable!

This book was heartwarming and I highly recommend it be your next cozy romance read!

[Alice.thereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review: Charming Fools and Magic School ✨

Charming Fools and Magic School is exactly the kind of whimsical, cozy fantasy I love sinking into. I mean…magic school, but the characters are 30+ years old? Yes. Please. 👏

The story is adorably charming, full of humor, heart, and fun, unexpected magic. The characters and plot are delightfully chaotic and unpredictable, which only adds to the overall charm. I especially loved how the story balances laugh-out-loud moments with quieter, more meaningful ones-it makes everything feel warm and genuine.

There’s also a subplot featuring a little bit of spicy romance between the FMC and a billionaire MMC, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the storyline without overpowering the cozy magic-school vibes. It was a fun, unexpected addition that raised the emotional stakes just enough.

This is truly a feel-good, cozy magical story from start to finish. It was a quick read-and honestly? I wasn’t ready for it to end.

Thank you to MTMC tours for sending me an eARC of this book!

[Ridhima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one did not work for me.

This is based on adult humans who acquire magic after a unique phenomena with a magical kingdom and end up going to a specially curated magic school to further hone their abilities. While seemingly an adult cozy fantasy, this was written like YA fiction. I could not get into the billionaire romance at all, and the randomly appearing sexual scenes seemed quite out of place and sudden in the story line. The characters themselves felt more akin to those in a high school cliqué with specific personality types that would match classic tropes often found in teen fiction.

I gave it two stars for the peri-menopausal single mom rep and the quirky magic school elements, along with the cute animal companions and comedic talking armors. This will otherwise not be a read I'll be recommending.

Thanks to the author and MTMC Tours for the gifted copy of the book.

[iris muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book!!! I first book with magic in it but I truly deeply loved it!!! The best book of 2025 for me!!! It was fast paced, spicy, fun and I loved everything put all together!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Shyanne Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Charming Fools & Magic School Review~

5 ⭐️’s

“You may not have known who you were when you came to school, but I’ve watched you grow into a woman you are proud of. You’re brave, and smart, and capable. You take care of others without wanting anything in return. You are the love of my life, and I’ve been doing everything in my power to be the man you deserve.”

Charming Fools and Magic School is the perfect whimsical fantasy romance read. Magic was released into the real world. Those who unexpectedly acquired the newly released magic were invited to attend a magical school where they would learn about specific magics and be taught to control it by their professors from the magical realm. Temperance is a single mom wanting to love and find herself again after always devoting her life to care for her daughter who is now going off to college. Rylan is a wealthy businessman who’s mysterious, but charming and had the magical school built. And their new school friends? They are hysterical, sassy and open! They made the book so enjoyable as they each navigate this magical change together.

I so LOVED this book!! The characters were well written and each had unique personalities that just make you either laugh, cry, question things or swoon. I loved seeing the growth of the characters as they embraced their new powers and themselves. I truly appreciated Temperance being in her 30’s and being kinda lost within her own life after her daughter goes off to college. It’s very relatable especially because after having kids, you now live for them and not always yourself so you start to kinda lose who you are and what you like and want. I loved seeing how she continued to take care of others, but she also started taking care of herself and making choices that will benefit her in a positive way. The plot was well developed and the pacing was consistent throughout. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy magical read that is set in a magical school.


Thank you so much to the author and MTMC for the review copy!!

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was weird. But I like weird 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m not sure where the concept of adults randomly gaining magical powers came from but I’m here for it. As a woman in my thirties who also had a baby as a teenager, this book did something to me. I loved the idea of being able to grow up and attend magic school.

Not only does Temperance get to attend magic school, she meets a dreamy billionaire and gets her HEA. The characters, setting, and plot were all well written and kept me entertained. I finished this book in one day!

I was hooked from the weirdness at the beginning.. hearing mice speak and throwing up daises and glitter were unexpected; but hearing the MMC call her daughter her “favorite person ever,” and seeing their bond so quickly was really sweet.

Then we have the move to the magic school where almost immediately we find Ethan with his hands on fire. Obviously, that sucks you in even more. From flying croissants to talking armor body guards to sprouting flowers from the palms of hands, this story has you somehow feeling all the feels. I love how the chapter titles ended up in the chapters.

Rylan’s nickname of “Star,” was adorable and I was obsessed with their flirtiness and text messages. Tempt really paid attention to Rylan and got to know him on a deeper level, recognizing his emotions and facial expressions. But he also was able to recall details such as her favorite cake flavor. I also enjoyed Remy and Temperance’s fast friendship and her instant fondness with her snake, Edith.

Some favorite quotes: “Maybe the best of friends all had food origin stories.” You must learn to hold the crayons before you can color.” “Wear the clothes, make the honor roll, don't blow anything up, and have fun. Enjoy yourself mom. You deserve it.” “Gah, his magic felt like a cozy winter day-wrapping me up with a thick blanket to bask in the crackling, sizzling, flickering fire inside him.”

I would like to thank MTMC Tours for the gifted digital copy.

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a warm, witchy hug for every woman who’s ever thought her “big adventure” window had closed.
Temperance gets yanked into a magical awakening after a construction accident tears open the realms. She's the kind of FMC I would befriend in a second. She’s messy, hopeful, terrified, brave, and so deeply human that watching her step into her power feels like watching a friend finally take up space.
Her arc isn’t just “learn magic.” It’s “remember who you were before life demanded you shrink.”

Rylan is the exact brand of charming fool I fall for every time: devastatingly handsome, emotionally competent (!!!), obsessed with the fmc from page one, gives “I would burn the realms for you but also bring you tea” energy.
He’s not a billionaire in the annoying way. He’s a billionaire in the “I built a magic school and accidentally fell in love with a witch who keeps setting things on fire” way.

Their chemistry is slow burn with a blowtorch, soft but scorching, a romance that feels like a warm hearth and a lightning strike at the same time.

The McKenzie Institute is a character in itself. The armor gossips. The familiars have opinions. The sabotage attempts are chaotic but fun. The classrooms feel like a cross between a Pinterest cottagecore board and a D&D campaign gone rogue.

This book is secretly about: reinvention after motherhood, choosing yourself even when it’s scary, letting people love you without apologizing, finding community when you thought you were done growing.. It’s a love story, yes, but it’s also a reclamation story. A “you’re allowed to want more” story. A “magic doesn’t expire with age” story.

One of my favorite books for 2026!!

Thank you so much to MTMC Tours and Jessica for the book <3

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint! This story is SO cozy, heartfelt and funny.

A mom is suddenly facing empty-nester life… and then magic crashes into her world. That mix of second chances, self-rediscovery, and found family felt so refreshing in a later in life FMC. Watching Temperance realize she’s more than just a mom, while still honoring how deeply that role shaped her, was incredibly relatable and honestly kind of healing to read.

Temperance herself is such a strong, lovable character. She’s funny, loyal, and a little insecure. Her journey of figuring out who she is now felt authentic and earned. The cast around her adds so much warmth too, the friendships, the sense of belonging, and yes, the dramatic familiars absolutely stole the show for me.

The romance is a slow, sweet burn woven naturally into the story. Watching Temperance and Rylan’s relationship develop was genuinely satisfying, and I loved how supportive and intentional it felt. It never overshadowed her personal growth, which I really appreciated.

This book has all the things I love: cozy magic school vibes, humor layered with emotional depth, and found family.

[Sharayah Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. In Charming Fools and Magic School you follow Temperance on her journey to becoming a witch after a weird accident has people all over the world becoming…well Magic. You get to see her realize she is so much more than just a mom, although that is such a huge part of her life. Which is very relatable. So is the single mom aspect of the story.

You meet cute and fun familiars during the story too. Who doesn’t love a cute animal following them around! Each character is so unique and I love them all. Imogene, ah, the spunky lady she is. We all can hope to be that sassy and witty as we age.

There is also a very sweet love story woven in. And we all know I love, love. I loved watching Temperance and Rylan’s relationship develop throughout the story.

I cannot forget to mention Jessica’s art work too!! You get glimpses of some of the characters throughout the story. She is beyond talented.

[Surille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up. I liked the idea of a 35 year old FMC attending magic school. And the billionaire MMC funding the school also being a student (instead of being a dean/headmaster/professor).

Imogen had absolutely no filter..she was hilarious. Edith was an unexpected yet adorable familiar.

That shower scene...YEAH!!

I liked how billionaire Rylan wasn't cocky, and he was actually working a lot. It was more believable that he didn't have a lot of free time. He really was so thoughtful and so into Temperance.

I did feel that the story was a little rushed towards the end. I could see this story being turned into a short series where we learn more about the magical realm.
I was also hoping the main conflict of the school would have been grander than two jealous students. But it did fit in with the not-so-serious, cosy-wacky vibes. And what was happening to Ethan was pretty gross and funny.

Damnit, now I want carrot cake.

[BookishAgenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️½

I really enjoyed the magic in this book. After a magical explosion in the mortal world, some humans suddenly develop powers of their own and the fallout is fascinating. Temperance, a single mom, is juggling a lot: her daughter leaving for college, discovering and training her new magic at a magical academy, and navigating an unexpected billionaire love interest.

While at the magic school, a dangerous mystery unfolds as someone causes magical havoc, putting everyone in jeopardy and raising the stakes even higher. The supporting cast truly shines, especially Imogene is a crass, no-filter older woman who had me laughing out loud every time she appeared. Overall, this was a fun, magical read with heart, humor, and just the right touch of spice

[Emireadsthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Charming Schools and Magic School delivers exactly what the title promises – a cosy, whimsical magical school setting that’s easy to sink into. The atmosphere is charming and comforting, with fun magical elements and a school environment that feels familiar yet enchanted.

While the story is enjoyable and nicely paced, it doesn’t quite push into unforgettable territory. Some aspects felt a little predictable, and I found myself wishing for deeper character development or higher stakes in places. That said, it’s a lovely read for when you want something light, magical, and comforting without heavy drama.

A solid, feel-good magic school story that’s perfect for fans of cosy fantasy and gentle magical worlds ✨📚

[Lav's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 ⭐️

This was such a cute, fast paced read! I devoured it in a few hours! I absolutely adored the entire plot. Temperance going to magic school to learn how to control her magic, and finding herself a new identity other than being Piper’s mom. The dramatic familiars added such a cute touch to the story and I think helped T’s motherly instincts since she’s away from her daughter, missing her. I loved the chemistry and slow burn with the MCs and the little twist on Rylan’s magic made it that much better!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy

Sugar, Spice and all things nice! That's what this book is made of! Such a great read, especially for this time of year where time is a bit more available, its one you can't put down for sure!

It was refreshing to have a magic school book where the characters are all fully grown adults. It had me laughing time and time again, such a wholesome read!

I really enjoyed reading this and can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

[Brittany Garvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and unique read! As someone in my thirties, it was refreshing reading a paranormal romance book with a protagonist who was my age. On top of that, she was going back to school! Additionally, how the magic came about was so unexpected. Also, Edith was hands down my favorite character. 🐍 Definitely recommend for a quick, spicy, low stakes read!

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was delightfully uncomplicated. It is an easy read that is fun and cute. It has some YA feel to it, which isn't horrible, the FMC is fully grown and has emotional intelligence - whereas the MMC is a well thought out construct, it would have been nice to have more dialogue between them as their chemistry was wonderful.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is baaaaccckkk and I am LOVING it!! I missed Jessica’s stories and this was worth the wait. What a fun story! There was magic, magic school, growing friendships, a love story, sexy time, magical pets, and so much more! I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend this book!

[Tea_with_a_book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just such a quick, cozy, fun read. I enjoyed the idea of a perimenopausal, single mom getting to enjoy magic as an adult. And going back to school, and a magic school at that, is just a very fun storyline. The romance was cute, the side characters fantastic, and overall just a great time.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, cute, funny

Cozy is a great come back! So wonderful to have this Author writing again. Her stories are always a good time and this one is no different. Great for any cozy fantasy lover.

[Michelle Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Harry Potter for the midlife. Right down to the wand choosing. It was fine, kind of dull. The fmc acted like she was 12 and had never seen a guy before. That is what had me dnf ing this book at 30%. I am a third of the way through, and for a magical academy, it’s dull and childish.

[Innergoddess_Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Fools & Magic school gives you fall witchy vibes. The perfect October read with a side of fantasy,a bit of spice and rom com. That’s one thing I like about Jessica Florence books , they are very enjoyable and you could read them in one sitting .

[~☆Courtney☆~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️