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Love & Magic #1
Give a Witch a Chance
Magic forced them apart. Can it bring them back together?
Owen Sanchez doesn’t know what’s going on with the Coffee Cat Cafe. Disembodied voices, disappearing milk, ruined baked goods. He’d say it's haunted, but he doesn’t believe in magic.
Until Aria walks back into his life.
Twelve years ago, she was his best friend. His first love. Then she disappeared and broke his heart.
Now, she’s his unexpected roommate, and Owen remembers there was always something mystical about her.
Aria Belmonte tried to avoid her past, but a string of bad luck lands her right in Owen’s lap. He doesn’t know she’s a witch, and the magic world she’s a part of is strict. Unforgiving. The secret of magic must be kept at all costs.
With a hunting plaguing Owen’s cafe, it’s only a matter of time until he discovers the truth. Could this be the chance they need to follow their hearts, consequences be damned?
Give a Witch a Chance is a queer MF paranormal romance (both MCs are bisexual) for fans of the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, found family, cats, and lighthearted hauntings. HEA guaranteed! This is book one in a series of interconnected, stand-alone novels.
Owen Sanchez doesn’t know what’s going on with the Coffee Cat Cafe. Disembodied voices, disappearing milk, ruined baked goods. He’d say it's haunted, but he doesn’t believe in magic.
Until Aria walks back into his life.
Twelve years ago, she was his best friend. His first love. Then she disappeared and broke his heart.
Now, she’s his unexpected roommate, and Owen remembers there was always something mystical about her.
Aria Belmonte tried to avoid her past, but a string of bad luck lands her right in Owen’s lap. He doesn’t know she’s a witch, and the magic world she’s a part of is strict. Unforgiving. The secret of magic must be kept at all costs.
With a hunting plaguing Owen’s cafe, it’s only a matter of time until he discovers the truth. Could this be the chance they need to follow their hearts, consequences be damned?
Give a Witch a Chance is a queer MF paranormal romance (both MCs are bisexual) for fans of the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, found family, cats, and lighthearted hauntings. HEA guaranteed! This is book one in a series of interconnected, stand-alone novels.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
16 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read
About the author
Colette Rivera
18 books81 followersColette (she/they) is an author of queer paranormal romance novels living in New Zealand. Colette loves to write couples who take care of each other and show their soft sides in love, even when they’re prickly in other facets of their lives. Sugar, spice, and magic are key ingredients in all of Colette’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 19, 2023
I don’t care if it’s winter, witchy romances are meant to be read all year round! This book was fun, light, and full of enough magic and mystery to hold you over until the next spooky season.
This book had all of the best tropes! Second chance romance, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and friends to lovers. Aria and Owen were former high school sweethearts who got torn apart by The Authority (basically the magical police) after Aria tried to share the truth about witches at a party. Now over a decade later, Aria finds herself in need of a place to stay and ends up being roommates with none other than Owen.
I enjoyed Aria and Owen’s relationship but the constant miscommunication was just not it. They went back and forth a lot with each other and it got tedious at times. Owen’s grand gesture at the end made up for some of the miscommunication IMO. Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read! If you’re looking for a fun, low angst second chance romance this is the book for you.
Thank you to the author, Colette Rivera, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
This book had all of the best tropes! Second chance romance, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and friends to lovers. Aria and Owen were former high school sweethearts who got torn apart by The Authority (basically the magical police) after Aria tried to share the truth about witches at a party. Now over a decade later, Aria finds herself in need of a place to stay and ends up being roommates with none other than Owen.
I enjoyed Aria and Owen’s relationship but the constant miscommunication was just not it. They went back and forth a lot with each other and it got tedious at times. Owen’s grand gesture at the end made up for some of the miscommunication IMO. Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read! If you’re looking for a fun, low angst second chance romance this is the book for you.
Thank you to the author, Colette Rivera, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
January 20, 2023
This book fits perfectly in the current cosy fantasy trend, with its contemporary witchy story and its second-chance romance you can't help but root for. It has just the right amount of everything, in my opinion. It strikes a perfect balance between an adorable bisexual romance and a fun and interesting plot, with just enough world building to have everything make sense, but not so much that things get too technical. I thought the romance had excellent pacing, and it was surprisingly emotional at times due to some added angst because of how Aria had to keep her magic a secret.
April 23, 2023
It was fine but I didn’t love it.
Hot mess heroine doesn’t have a job, friends, or an apartment. Her family doesn’t treat her well and she hasn’t practiced being a witch.
Witch and Mortal and Tell and other words are capitalized throughout the book. Why? It was annoying.
As far as the hero knew, the heroine left him without a word 12 years ago. But he accepts her back into his life with joy now!? Weird. No way I’d trust her that quick.
The world sucked. You can’t tell your friends you’re a witch? Made no sense. Didn’t like the premise.
Felt a little like forbidden love. And I hate those kinds of stories. I didn’t really enjoy the romance. And the mystery was such blah.
Her parents are caricatures.
Enh. I could have passed on this.
Hot mess heroine doesn’t have a job, friends, or an apartment. Her family doesn’t treat her well and she hasn’t practiced being a witch.
Witch and Mortal and Tell and other words are capitalized throughout the book. Why? It was annoying.
As far as the hero knew, the heroine left him without a word 12 years ago. But he accepts her back into his life with joy now!? Weird. No way I’d trust her that quick.
The world sucked. You can’t tell your friends you’re a witch? Made no sense. Didn’t like the premise.
Felt a little like forbidden love. And I hate those kinds of stories. I didn’t really enjoy the romance. And the mystery was such blah.
Her parents are caricatures.
Enh. I could have passed on this.
July 1, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up
February 12, 2023
2.5 stars. The concept of this book is excellent but the execution left a lot to be desired. The Witchy world was developed extremely well and I could tell the author tried to make its introduction as seamless as possible, however, sometimes the explanation of things was like rambling.
I also felt the same way about the characters. Conversations were long and drawn out and unrealistic to the way that people actually talk. At times I felt as though I could skip entire pages and my understanding wouldn’t change.
That being said, I will try Rivera’s second in the series about Juliet, because I want to give her books a chance. I’d suggest that she edits the books a little more and adds some beta-readers before publishing.
I also felt the same way about the characters. Conversations were long and drawn out and unrealistic to the way that people actually talk. At times I felt as though I could skip entire pages and my understanding wouldn’t change.
That being said, I will try Rivera’s second in the series about Juliet, because I want to give her books a chance. I’d suggest that she edits the books a little more and adds some beta-readers before publishing.
July 19, 2023
★★★★★
2.5/5🌶️
Tropes:
Reverse Grumpyxsunshine
Forced Proximity
Second Chance Romance
Bisexual Main Characters
Latinx Representation
LGBTQ+ characters
Dual-POV
Warnings:
Character in an uncertain housing situation
Death of a parent & associated grief
Parental abandonment
Partial estrangement from family
Manipulative and emotionally unsupportive parents
Look, I’ve never been more obsessed with a series than I am with this one. Holy moly. I love Aria and Owen. And the side characters?!!!! I love them all. Especially Mr. Bickel. (I’m obsessed with him and his book isn’t even gonna be out until October 🥲)
Owen Sanchez, I love him. He is written perfectly to what I expected him to be written as. I can relate to him on so many levels, especially with abandonment issues. And I love how he is just so adorable. I really enjoyed reading his POV because I like the way he thought about certain situations and the relationships that he has with others. Specifically, Tristian, whom I ship strongly with Mr. Bickel. And I mean strongly. I also loved that Owen began to see a new perspective of life near the end of the book, showing that he is accepting of change once it’s understood. Also, did I mention he has a black cat? And he’s bisexual? And also Latinx? I love him truly 🥹
Aria Belmont is just as good as Owen and has many aspects that I can relate to as well. It’s amazing reading about her story as a witch/psychic. She is such a relatable character that honestly, I can say with confidence if, by some magic, this book turns into a movie, I’ll audition for her part. And Juliet’s. Don’t worry, I’ll talk more about Juliet in her book 😉. Reading Aria’s POV is amazing. I enjoyed reading how she felt about being a witch/psychic in the mortal/modern world. Aria’s friendships/relationships that she has made in her POV are to die for. Especially for Mr. Bickel and Juliet. They are both great characters. Oh and guess what??? Aria is also bisexual, which is like 🫶🫶.
I feel that the relationship between Owen and Juliet was more of healing what was torn apart by Aria’s parents, and making new bonds between the two. Though there is a slight miscommunication between the two, it is something that I think was necessary. Because Aria had to hide from the man she loved that she was a witch for so long that once he found out, it put a barrier between them. And it took a while for the barrier to break and for Owen and Aria to find a way to keep themselves together even with something that seems like an obstacle. I really loved these two a lot and they had me laughing a lot. The emotions that they had for each other were something unique to them. I cannot wait to see what these will be like as cameos in the following two books 🤭.
I will be honest and say, I loved the LGBTQ+ representation in this book and loved how it's written into each character you meet. 💗 The plot and storyline are also to be noted. I loved everything. There is a mystery aspect to the story and the best way to find out is by… Reading the book of course 😂.
2.5/5🌶️
Tropes:
Reverse Grumpyxsunshine
Forced Proximity
Second Chance Romance
Bisexual Main Characters
Latinx Representation
LGBTQ+ characters
Dual-POV
Warnings:
Character in an uncertain housing situation
Death of a parent & associated grief
Parental abandonment
Partial estrangement from family
Manipulative and emotionally unsupportive parents
Look, I’ve never been more obsessed with a series than I am with this one. Holy moly. I love Aria and Owen. And the side characters?!!!! I love them all. Especially Mr. Bickel. (I’m obsessed with him and his book isn’t even gonna be out until October 🥲)
Owen Sanchez, I love him. He is written perfectly to what I expected him to be written as. I can relate to him on so many levels, especially with abandonment issues. And I love how he is just so adorable. I really enjoyed reading his POV because I like the way he thought about certain situations and the relationships that he has with others. Specifically, Tristian, whom I ship strongly with Mr. Bickel. And I mean strongly. I also loved that Owen began to see a new perspective of life near the end of the book, showing that he is accepting of change once it’s understood. Also, did I mention he has a black cat? And he’s bisexual? And also Latinx? I love him truly 🥹
Aria Belmont is just as good as Owen and has many aspects that I can relate to as well. It’s amazing reading about her story as a witch/psychic. She is such a relatable character that honestly, I can say with confidence if, by some magic, this book turns into a movie, I’ll audition for her part. And Juliet’s. Don’t worry, I’ll talk more about Juliet in her book 😉. Reading Aria’s POV is amazing. I enjoyed reading how she felt about being a witch/psychic in the mortal/modern world. Aria’s friendships/relationships that she has made in her POV are to die for. Especially for Mr. Bickel and Juliet. They are both great characters. Oh and guess what??? Aria is also bisexual, which is like 🫶🫶.
I feel that the relationship between Owen and Juliet was more of healing what was torn apart by Aria’s parents, and making new bonds between the two. Though there is a slight miscommunication between the two, it is something that I think was necessary. Because Aria had to hide from the man she loved that she was a witch for so long that once he found out, it put a barrier between them. And it took a while for the barrier to break and for Owen and Aria to find a way to keep themselves together even with something that seems like an obstacle. I really loved these two a lot and they had me laughing a lot. The emotions that they had for each other were something unique to them. I cannot wait to see what these will be like as cameos in the following two books 🤭.
I will be honest and say, I loved the LGBTQ+ representation in this book and loved how it's written into each character you meet. 💗 The plot and storyline are also to be noted. I loved everything. There is a mystery aspect to the story and the best way to find out is by… Reading the book of course 😂.
March 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this, it was full of fun, humour and chemistry. I thought the characters were so cute and really likeable, the story flowed well , I just am not keen on the miscommunications that happen in this, I think without that I would have given 5 stars. But it’s a really fun contemporary second chance fantasy romance that I do recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2023
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
12 years ago, Aria Belmonte’s decision to Tell her then boyfriend Owen that she was a Witch resulted in Witch lawmakers, The Authority, forcing her to cut all contact with him or suffer a harsher punishment. Aria then left her Witch life and future as a Psychic behind. Life as a Moral psychic instead isn’t glamourous or lucrative, but Aria is content to live by her own rules while avoiding the influence of the Witch Authority. When her boss must close the magic shop where she works, Aria is out of a job and a home. She accepts the offer of a room from her ex-girlfriend in desperation without realising that her fellow tenant is Owen.
Owen Sanchez is a caring and sweet Mortal with a dream to run a successful coffee shop. So far things at Coffee Cat Café are going well, helped by the support of his best friend Tristan but some unexplained things are happening at the café causing trouble which may affect the café’s reputation and popularity. Added to this the arrival of his long-lost love Aria Owen must work through his resurging feelings for Aria and deal with his growing business troubles.
As the pair are forced to closely interact daily, old wounds are explored, however true love never did run smooth and the Witch that is hexing Owen’s shop causes problems for both him and Aria leading to a shocking revelation with some crazy magical mishaps along the way.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 I am loving this new supernatural series. This book has everything you need in a supernatural queer romance. You have will they/won’t they second chance love for two obliviously firstly, adorable bisexuals, hard core found family vibes, well-developed characters, an intriguing Witchy world/lore. I liked everyone in this book - the sunshine characters (Owen and Tristan), the grumpy ones (Aria and Bickel) and the ones rooting for love (Juliet and Tristan again). They all made the story better and kept the plot moving quickly. My only critique is the magical bad guy was a little obvious but otherwise this was a fun, body/sex positive romp with two main characters you can’t help but root for.
12 years ago, Aria Belmonte’s decision to Tell her then boyfriend Owen that she was a Witch resulted in Witch lawmakers, The Authority, forcing her to cut all contact with him or suffer a harsher punishment. Aria then left her Witch life and future as a Psychic behind. Life as a Moral psychic instead isn’t glamourous or lucrative, but Aria is content to live by her own rules while avoiding the influence of the Witch Authority. When her boss must close the magic shop where she works, Aria is out of a job and a home. She accepts the offer of a room from her ex-girlfriend in desperation without realising that her fellow tenant is Owen.
Owen Sanchez is a caring and sweet Mortal with a dream to run a successful coffee shop. So far things at Coffee Cat Café are going well, helped by the support of his best friend Tristan but some unexplained things are happening at the café causing trouble which may affect the café’s reputation and popularity. Added to this the arrival of his long-lost love Aria Owen must work through his resurging feelings for Aria and deal with his growing business troubles.
As the pair are forced to closely interact daily, old wounds are explored, however true love never did run smooth and the Witch that is hexing Owen’s shop causes problems for both him and Aria leading to a shocking revelation with some crazy magical mishaps along the way.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 I am loving this new supernatural series. This book has everything you need in a supernatural queer romance. You have will they/won’t they second chance love for two obliviously firstly, adorable bisexuals, hard core found family vibes, well-developed characters, an intriguing Witchy world/lore. I liked everyone in this book - the sunshine characters (Owen and Tristan), the grumpy ones (Aria and Bickel) and the ones rooting for love (Juliet and Tristan again). They all made the story better and kept the plot moving quickly. My only critique is the magical bad guy was a little obvious but otherwise this was a fun, body/sex positive romp with two main characters you can’t help but root for.
February 4, 2023
Thank you so much to Colette Rivera for the earc of this adorable book🔮
Give a witch a chance is published on 7th of feb and it’s going to be available on KU for my UK peeps, and you will not be disappointed🥹
Aria, a witch (albeit not the best one), unexpectedly reunites with Owen - former best friend first, former boyfriend second - who she is forbidden to see by order of the Authority due to past mistakes. Their past spark immediately reignites then strange things start happening to Owen’s cafe.
This book has EVERYTHING you need in a cosy, feel-good read: Second chance romance, mystery, magic, and of course a lil bit of spice🌶
I loved Aria and Owen’s relationship, they just gave me all the good vibes and had me grinning at every interaction of theirs, I rooted for them the whole way through🥹 also, not one but TWO bi-sexual mc’s <3
I especially liked the magic hierarchy in this book, it was such a cool concept that magic is just entwined in our everyday lives and hidden away from us Mortals. The structure to the Witch community was so well developed, I found it to be such a refreshing plot then throw in the mix of magic and mayhem, safe to say I was gripped.
This was such an easy binge-worthy read that will reel you in and leave you wanting more. A perfect second-chance romance with a paranormal witchy mystery🔮🪄
Give a witch a chance is published on 7th of feb and it’s going to be available on KU for my UK peeps, and you will not be disappointed🥹
Aria, a witch (albeit not the best one), unexpectedly reunites with Owen - former best friend first, former boyfriend second - who she is forbidden to see by order of the Authority due to past mistakes. Their past spark immediately reignites then strange things start happening to Owen’s cafe.
This book has EVERYTHING you need in a cosy, feel-good read: Second chance romance, mystery, magic, and of course a lil bit of spice🌶
I loved Aria and Owen’s relationship, they just gave me all the good vibes and had me grinning at every interaction of theirs, I rooted for them the whole way through🥹 also, not one but TWO bi-sexual mc’s <3
I especially liked the magic hierarchy in this book, it was such a cool concept that magic is just entwined in our everyday lives and hidden away from us Mortals. The structure to the Witch community was so well developed, I found it to be such a refreshing plot then throw in the mix of magic and mayhem, safe to say I was gripped.
This was such an easy binge-worthy read that will reel you in and leave you wanting more. A perfect second-chance romance with a paranormal witchy mystery🔮🪄
April 12, 2023
I loved this book so much, I am a sucker for second chance romance and this did not disappoint!
Aria and Owen are the sweetest! I love the history between them! Reclaiming the love they missed out on in their younger years made my heart swell 😩
I say this in every review with a dual POV but I do not care. I LIVE FOR THEM, I love reading a story from both sides because it makes it more special and makes it feel like you are on the journey with them!
This book has AMAZING side characters too, and I’m so glad they are getting their own book *cough cough, Juliet and Bickel*
I love the parallel at the end of them looking into the night sky like they did when they were teens! 🥺
I love supernatural beings so much so this book being about witches was amazing, and the author really showed you all the rules to this world so you never thought you was missing something!
TROPES/INFORMATION ;
🖤Dual POV
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Childhood Sweethearts Reconnected
🖤 GrumpyXSunshine
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤Witch/Mortal
🖤 LGBTQ+ Representation
🖤 Bisexual MC’s
Aria and Owen are the sweetest! I love the history between them! Reclaiming the love they missed out on in their younger years made my heart swell 😩
I say this in every review with a dual POV but I do not care. I LIVE FOR THEM, I love reading a story from both sides because it makes it more special and makes it feel like you are on the journey with them!
This book has AMAZING side characters too, and I’m so glad they are getting their own book *cough cough, Juliet and Bickel*
I love the parallel at the end of them looking into the night sky like they did when they were teens! 🥺
I love supernatural beings so much so this book being about witches was amazing, and the author really showed you all the rules to this world so you never thought you was missing something!
TROPES/INFORMATION ;
🖤Dual POV
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Childhood Sweethearts Reconnected
🖤 GrumpyXSunshine
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤Witch/Mortal
🖤 LGBTQ+ Representation
🖤 Bisexual MC’s
October 16, 2025
This was a bookclub read for the discord group I'm in... And I will tell you I'm mad! This was supposed to be a Halloween read 😭😭
This is another cutsie cosy read. And I'm really figuring out these just aren't my vibes, there is a 'mystery' that's happening as you read... And the ending made me want to throw my kindle out the window... Because WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT... And not in a good way it really felt like it was a oh shit that was a part of the story... THE PLOT HOLES
I'm aware this is a bit of an aggressive review, but the biggest part of the story has the biggest plot hole in it, and it just ruined it all for me, not just the cutsie, cosy vibes. Also there's 2 words that were capitalised the whole way through and I have no idea why...
This is another cutsie cosy read. And I'm really figuring out these just aren't my vibes, there is a 'mystery' that's happening as you read... And the ending made me want to throw my kindle out the window... Because WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT... And not in a good way it really felt like it was a oh shit that was a part of the story... THE PLOT HOLES
I'm aware this is a bit of an aggressive review, but the biggest part of the story has the biggest plot hole in it, and it just ruined it all for me, not just the cutsie, cosy vibes. Also there's 2 words that were capitalised the whole way through and I have no idea why...
March 25, 2023
🕯
This book was so cute (chapter 18 steams it up). I love this contemporary paranormal witchy world and all the characters. Owen and Aria have to work through their abandonment issues but the witch mortal relationship really complicates things. I can't wait for book 2.
CN: parental abandonment, complicated familial relationship, parental death, grief (alcohol overuse), revenge, apartment fire
This book was so cute (chapter 18 steams it up). I love this contemporary paranormal witchy world and all the characters. Owen and Aria have to work through their abandonment issues but the witch mortal relationship really complicates things. I can't wait for book 2.
CN: parental abandonment, complicated familial relationship, parental death, grief (alcohol overuse), revenge, apartment fire
April 9, 2023
I read this in one sitting! A charming, witchy romance with: a dash of spice, remnants of teen angst, and a mystery to solve.
This book is proof that fantasy doesn’t need to be 500+ pages to appropriately world build and also entertain the reader. I’m excited for more! 👏🏻
I took a star off for minor, but still distracting, typos throughout and the way the romantic storyline got tied up at the end skewed just a little too cheesy for me.
This book is proof that fantasy doesn’t need to be 500+ pages to appropriately world build and also entertain the reader. I’m excited for more! 👏🏻
I took a star off for minor, but still distracting, typos throughout and the way the romantic storyline got tied up at the end skewed just a little too cheesy for me.
July 4, 2024
3.5 stars, mostly for the secondary characters. I found the leads to be fairly bland, and obnoxiously whiny at times (mostly Aria). I also desperately wanted to introduce the author to semi-colons. But Juliet, Tristan, Bickel and Luca were all fun and interesting, so I expect I will keep reading the series for them.
July 23, 2023
3.5*
October 28, 2025
3.3✨
Cute little witchy read, I found it hard to get completely into it but I think that’s my fault from being in a bit of a slump.
Cute little witchy read, I found it hard to get completely into it but I think that’s my fault from being in a bit of a slump.
November 1, 2023
I started this book with the thought of only reading a little part before bed. Well I was wrong cause suddenly it was 1 at night and the book was finished. I absolutely loved it so much that I needed to know the ending.
The book features a bisexual witch Aria and the owner of the coffee cat cafe Owen also a bisexual. Those two were so amazing. They grew up as children but one day Aria just disappeared out of Owens life until now twelve years later she walks into his cafe. They have a grumpy/sunshine vibe to them. And then throw some magic in the mix that makes it all even more complicated. Owens cafe is being haunted and Aria can’t stop it with her magic especially if nobody can know about it. As Aria is also currently staying at Owens cause she want to avoid going home to her parents at all costs. The dynamic between the two was so intriguing to watch as they have had a relationship years ago and lots of things have happened since then. It has tropes like second chances romance, forced proximity, bisexual romances and cats cause cats should be a trope. If a book has cats it’s already off to a good start. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a cute and wholesome romance with a bit of magic.
The book features a bisexual witch Aria and the owner of the coffee cat cafe Owen also a bisexual. Those two were so amazing. They grew up as children but one day Aria just disappeared out of Owens life until now twelve years later she walks into his cafe. They have a grumpy/sunshine vibe to them. And then throw some magic in the mix that makes it all even more complicated. Owens cafe is being haunted and Aria can’t stop it with her magic especially if nobody can know about it. As Aria is also currently staying at Owens cause she want to avoid going home to her parents at all costs. The dynamic between the two was so intriguing to watch as they have had a relationship years ago and lots of things have happened since then. It has tropes like second chances romance, forced proximity, bisexual romances and cats cause cats should be a trope. If a book has cats it’s already off to a good start. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a cute and wholesome romance with a bit of magic.
June 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this! Magical, fun and flirty with an adorable cat 🐈⬛, crows 🐦⬛and delicious coffee ☕️? 100% yes! Fast paced, unique storyline and of course full of all the witchy vibes! 🔮 Excited to read the next installment!
February 7, 2023
Give A Witch A Chance is the first book in the Love and Magic series. It's a second chance, paranormal romance and it follows psychic witch Aria Belmonte, and former best friend, now roommate, Owen Sanchez, as they delve into a situation of lighthearted hauntings and a bit of magic mystery.
I loved that it held basic magic elements. As someone that can't always keep up with a new world building of magic, this was an easy and understandable journey of trying to fix the mystery of Owen's bakery hauntings.
In saying that, i felt a bit of a disconnect between Aria and Owen's relationship. I wanted them to be more on a personal level and not just about the physical chemistry. But Owen was a true sweetheart, so i couldn't really fault their chemistry too hard.
It's a fast and binge-worthy read with sweet and light humorous moments. The perfect read if you're looking for laid-back witchy x mortal, paranormal romance :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
I loved that it held basic magic elements. As someone that can't always keep up with a new world building of magic, this was an easy and understandable journey of trying to fix the mystery of Owen's bakery hauntings.
In saying that, i felt a bit of a disconnect between Aria and Owen's relationship. I wanted them to be more on a personal level and not just about the physical chemistry. But Owen was a true sweetheart, so i couldn't really fault their chemistry too hard.
It's a fast and binge-worthy read with sweet and light humorous moments. The perfect read if you're looking for laid-back witchy x mortal, paranormal romance :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
July 14, 2024
“When you need family you find it, and when it’s something you had to make yourself you never let it go.”
💜
Quick Summary:
💭 Dual POV
🏡 Found family
🔮 Psychic, down on her luck witch
🧑🏽🍳 Sunshine mortal baker
☕️ Haunted cafe
♥️ Second chance romance
👩🏻❤️👨🏻 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn
🥵 Tension
🌶️ Spicy
🏳️🌈 Queer rep
🌲 Lots of pining
👏🏼 Excellent side characters
🔎 A spooky mystery to solve
This was such a fun read! I loved that it was set in a world with magic, but it was presented in a believable way.
This story is about Aria and Owen, who fell in love as teenagers, but when Aria tries to tell him about her magic, the consequences forced them apart.
Years later, they find themselves back in each other’s lives, unexpectedly roommates, and trying to solve the mystery surrounding the spooky happenings in Owen’s cafe.
When the truth about her magic is revealed, we’re introduced to some excellent characters - particularly Bickle! I loved the dynamics between the characters, especially the friendship between Owen and Tristan and the relationship Aria has with her brother Luca.
I loved finding the clues behind the cafe mystery and the way that Aria and Owen worked through their issues to find their way back to each other. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I need Bickle’s book like you wouldn’t believe!
Thanks to Colette for the ARC.
This book will be released on Feb 7, 2023
💜
Quick Summary:
💭 Dual POV
🏡 Found family
🔮 Psychic, down on her luck witch
🧑🏽🍳 Sunshine mortal baker
☕️ Haunted cafe
♥️ Second chance romance
👩🏻❤️👨🏻 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn
🥵 Tension
🌶️ Spicy
🏳️🌈 Queer rep
🌲 Lots of pining
👏🏼 Excellent side characters
🔎 A spooky mystery to solve
This was such a fun read! I loved that it was set in a world with magic, but it was presented in a believable way.
This story is about Aria and Owen, who fell in love as teenagers, but when Aria tries to tell him about her magic, the consequences forced them apart.
Years later, they find themselves back in each other’s lives, unexpectedly roommates, and trying to solve the mystery surrounding the spooky happenings in Owen’s cafe.
When the truth about her magic is revealed, we’re introduced to some excellent characters - particularly Bickle! I loved the dynamics between the characters, especially the friendship between Owen and Tristan and the relationship Aria has with her brother Luca.
I loved finding the clues behind the cafe mystery and the way that Aria and Owen worked through their issues to find their way back to each other. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I need Bickle’s book like you wouldn’t believe!
Thanks to Colette for the ARC.
This book will be released on Feb 7, 2023
June 14, 2023
I couldn't get into this. There was too much telling/not enough showing at first, and then the showing made me hate Owen. I started to think that Aria and Owen would in fact be better off as friends and the romance here should've actually been between Owen and his best friend. I mean, Owen is kind of dismissive to Aria, never taking her shit seriously even when it's obvious that it's serious and that she has more knowledge than he does, and he also doesn't seem to want to be with her that much? His friendship is more important to him, which is not really what I'm looking for in romance, especially second chance.
The bi rep was a little weird. Good but almost too much? There's not a single straight character in this book lmao
The lore is holes galore. Plot holes, inconsistencies, unanswered questions.
The bi rep was a little weird. Good but almost too much? There's not a single straight character in this book lmao
The lore is holes galore. Plot holes, inconsistencies, unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
ARC. Full review on Amazon.
August 15, 2023
2.5⭐️
Aria fue insoportable de principio a fin, Owen se volvió insoportable al final. Ambos tienen 30 años, pero sentí que estaba leyendo una historia sobre adolescentes.
Aria fue insoportable de principio a fin, Owen se volvió insoportable al final. Ambos tienen 30 años, pero sentí que estaba leyendo una historia sobre adolescentes.
January 24, 2023
This book was so good! I love a second chance romance SO MUCH! Aria and Owen were SO SWEET. I cannot wait for the rest of the series, the blurb for the next book and the couples for the next two have me so excited!!
Aria and Owen broke up 12 years ago, she ghosted him and now she’s coming to stay with him because his landlord is her ex?? And he is SO happy to see her?? I loved it honestly. Owen is SO kind. While Aria wants to apologize for what she did all those years ago, Owen just wants to move past it. (And while he IS doing some avoiding…) He just is happy to see her again, she is the one that got away!! And now she’s here!! And Aria is all kinds of nervous, but she is also so happy to see him again! That’s what I liked the most, they were so good together!
I love a whole magical world that’s pretty complicated but still easy to understand within the context of a book! But there’s also so many things we don’t understand?! I don’t know why but I love it. And I know there’s going to be more books, so there’s going to be more magical rules and things revealed which is so exciting. I loved the magical mystery element. Aria was trying to use her magic that she doesn’t use often and while trying to keep it quiet! It was a fun part of the story!
The miscommunication was the WORST. Especially since they were actually laying everything on the table. But Owen’s abandonment issues were too heavy. Aria’s fear of not being enough, of ruining everything was too heavy. And not to mention Aria wasn’t offering to a solution to their problems, mostly because she didn’t have one. Don’t get me wrong, it ALL made sense. But it made me so frustrated. I just didn’t like seeing them doubt themselves so much. Especially since I KNEW how much they loved each other.
BUT when they were both finally able to take a look at themselves and what they wanted and what the other person also wanted…amazing. Aria’s brother was SO helpful with this! And Tristan too! They were able to really show Aria and Owen that they’ve really been holding themselves back!
Thank you so much to Colette Rivera for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Aria and Owen broke up 12 years ago, she ghosted him and now she’s coming to stay with him because his landlord is her ex?? And he is SO happy to see her?? I loved it honestly. Owen is SO kind. While Aria wants to apologize for what she did all those years ago, Owen just wants to move past it. (And while he IS doing some avoiding…) He just is happy to see her again, she is the one that got away!! And now she’s here!! And Aria is all kinds of nervous, but she is also so happy to see him again! That’s what I liked the most, they were so good together!
I love a whole magical world that’s pretty complicated but still easy to understand within the context of a book! But there’s also so many things we don’t understand?! I don’t know why but I love it. And I know there’s going to be more books, so there’s going to be more magical rules and things revealed which is so exciting. I loved the magical mystery element. Aria was trying to use her magic that she doesn’t use often and while trying to keep it quiet! It was a fun part of the story!
The miscommunication was the WORST. Especially since they were actually laying everything on the table. But Owen’s abandonment issues were too heavy. Aria’s fear of not being enough, of ruining everything was too heavy. And not to mention Aria wasn’t offering to a solution to their problems, mostly because she didn’t have one. Don’t get me wrong, it ALL made sense. But it made me so frustrated. I just didn’t like seeing them doubt themselves so much. Especially since I KNEW how much they loved each other.
BUT when they were both finally able to take a look at themselves and what they wanted and what the other person also wanted…amazing. Aria’s brother was SO helpful with this! And Tristan too! They were able to really show Aria and Owen that they’ve really been holding themselves back!
Thank you so much to Colette Rivera for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
December 11, 2022
Sunshiny baker, Owen, has his up-and-coming bakery, his best friend, and his cat. Sure, his love life could use some help, but at least without a partner, he doesn't have to worry about his heart being broken yet again. When he agrees to a roommate as a favor to his landlord, the last thing he expects is for his HS best friend/girlfriend, Aria, to show up. She was the first person to break his heart when she disappeared one day without a word and never contacted him again.
What Owen doesn't know is that Aria is a witch who was censured for revealing the existence of magic to Owen (although he didn't believe her) and was forced to go no contact with him as a result. Now she's back, just as unlucky accidents and mysterious voices start haunting the bakery. Aria wants to help Owen, but will she be able to do so without losing her heart to him again, as well as getting into trouble again with the Witch Council?
This was a fun, witchy read with a somewhat grumpy witch heroine and a sweet, cinnamon roll baker hero. I appreciated that the author created an interesting and well thought out take on witchery to give the story some depth. The resolution of the magical problems at the bakery was the only area where the plot faltered a bit, but I loved all of the side characters and am looking forward to further books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What Owen doesn't know is that Aria is a witch who was censured for revealing the existence of magic to Owen (although he didn't believe her) and was forced to go no contact with him as a result. Now she's back, just as unlucky accidents and mysterious voices start haunting the bakery. Aria wants to help Owen, but will she be able to do so without losing her heart to him again, as well as getting into trouble again with the Witch Council?
This was a fun, witchy read with a somewhat grumpy witch heroine and a sweet, cinnamon roll baker hero. I appreciated that the author created an interesting and well thought out take on witchery to give the story some depth. The resolution of the magical problems at the bakery was the only area where the plot faltered a bit, but I loved all of the side characters and am looking forward to further books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2023
Before I dive into the review, I highly appreciated the link to visit for content warnings. I feel like this is something more authors / publishers should do. It's easy to include for e-books but even for physical copies, stick it at the end of the blurb or within the front material. It makes figuring out if a book is for someone so much easier.
3.75. The info dumps and sections of rambling are what did it the most for me. Some conversations also felt a bit off, as if they just went around in circles.
I wasn't all that invested in Owen and Aria getting back together, which is a problem considering they're the MC's. After 12 years apart with no contact, and they're both still obsessed with each other? I guess I expected a bit more tension and actually getting to re-know each other before they got physically reacquainted.
Speaking of which, I did skip through those moments so those scenes have no influence on my rating. Even though I'll read books with intimate moments, I'm not always interested by the time they show up in the book. That was the case here and I don't feel like I missed out by not reading them. I have no further comments on them.
I did enjoy the witchy elements and the mystery. The mystery didn't overpower the romance, which is good considering it's a romance novel. I can see why some people found it simplistic or boring, but since it's secondary to the main plot of Owen & Aria's love, I quite enjoyed it.
3.75. The info dumps and sections of rambling are what did it the most for me. Some conversations also felt a bit off, as if they just went around in circles.
I wasn't all that invested in Owen and Aria getting back together, which is a problem considering they're the MC's. After 12 years apart with no contact, and they're both still obsessed with each other? I guess I expected a bit more tension and actually getting to re-know each other before they got physically reacquainted.
Speaking of which, I did skip through those moments so those scenes have no influence on my rating. Even though I'll read books with intimate moments, I'm not always interested by the time they show up in the book. That was the case here and I don't feel like I missed out by not reading them. I have no further comments on them.
I did enjoy the witchy elements and the mystery. The mystery didn't overpower the romance, which is good considering it's a romance novel. I can see why some people found it simplistic or boring, but since it's secondary to the main plot of Owen & Aria's love, I quite enjoyed it.
August 4, 2023
BOOK REVIEW 📚of Give a Witch a Chance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Owen Sanchez runs a successful coffee shop with his business partner Travis, despite some recent odd occurrences; electrical issues, voices and disappearing milk.
Aria Belmonte, Owens childhood sweetheart, is a down on her luck witch, masquerading as a human fortune teller… an unsuccessful one. When her workplace is condemned (including her flat above it), Aria is able to find a room to lease from her realtor friend, but she’ll have to deal with a room mate.
Owen is faced with the ghost from his past when it turns out it HIS flat that Aria has come to stay in. Aria, who cut him out of his life and disappeared on their senior year, without explanation.
What Owen doesn’t know is that Aria had drunkenly told Owen that she was a witch (something he doesn’t remember) and was ordered by the Witch authorities to cut all contact.
When Aria decides to investigate the suspected haunting in the Cafe, could she also discover that their love still exists?
This was a fun, witchy romance read, with good pacing and likeable characters. A cute and cosy storyline, along with the ‘Second chance at love’ and ‘childhood sweethearts’ tropes, this books also included LGBTQIA+ representation. I loved the contemporary additions like the ‘Grimoire app’ but the hard copy could use some additional proofreading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Owen Sanchez runs a successful coffee shop with his business partner Travis, despite some recent odd occurrences; electrical issues, voices and disappearing milk.
Aria Belmonte, Owens childhood sweetheart, is a down on her luck witch, masquerading as a human fortune teller… an unsuccessful one. When her workplace is condemned (including her flat above it), Aria is able to find a room to lease from her realtor friend, but she’ll have to deal with a room mate.
Owen is faced with the ghost from his past when it turns out it HIS flat that Aria has come to stay in. Aria, who cut him out of his life and disappeared on their senior year, without explanation.
What Owen doesn’t know is that Aria had drunkenly told Owen that she was a witch (something he doesn’t remember) and was ordered by the Witch authorities to cut all contact.
When Aria decides to investigate the suspected haunting in the Cafe, could she also discover that their love still exists?
This was a fun, witchy romance read, with good pacing and likeable characters. A cute and cosy storyline, along with the ‘Second chance at love’ and ‘childhood sweethearts’ tropes, this books also included LGBTQIA+ representation. I loved the contemporary additions like the ‘Grimoire app’ but the hard copy could use some additional proofreading.
November 11, 2024
Such a fun idea but the execution was hmm.
Maybe this should have been a love story between Owen and Tristan. He definitely prioritized Tristan over Aria in his mind over and over again. I'm all for platonic soul mates, but towards the end, I got the feeling that Tristan's feelings were more important to Owen than Aria could ever be. He tries to guilt her several times, into revealing her secret to Tristan knowing very well what it would mean for Aria legally. It rarely felt as though he took Aria's feelings seriously.
At some point, he TELLS Aria to leave and take that new job so that he doesn't have to lie to Tristan. And I get it. I would pick my best friend over everyone else too. But the book is supposed to be about Aria and Owen's love story and this concept was not very romantic.
In fact, I think the book could have been a lot more interesting if it had been about Aria helping an old friend fix their cursed cafe whilst slowly coming into her own as a witch and appreciating her powers. A witchy coming of age story instead of a romance where the heroine is the third wheel
As a character, Owen starts off ok but quickly becomes whiny and self involved towards the end.
Maybe this should have been a love story between Owen and Tristan. He definitely prioritized Tristan over Aria in his mind over and over again. I'm all for platonic soul mates, but towards the end, I got the feeling that Tristan's feelings were more important to Owen than Aria could ever be. He tries to guilt her several times, into revealing her secret to Tristan knowing very well what it would mean for Aria legally. It rarely felt as though he took Aria's feelings seriously.
At some point, he TELLS Aria to leave and take that new job so that he doesn't have to lie to Tristan. And I get it. I would pick my best friend over everyone else too. But the book is supposed to be about Aria and Owen's love story and this concept was not very romantic.
In fact, I think the book could have been a lot more interesting if it had been about Aria helping an old friend fix their cursed cafe whilst slowly coming into her own as a witch and appreciating her powers. A witchy coming of age story instead of a romance where the heroine is the third wheel
As a character, Owen starts off ok but quickly becomes whiny and self involved towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2022
A cute, fun, quick read, easily finished in 90 minutes. I loved the dual POV, but I do wish it had been told in the present tense instead of the past tense.
Psychic Witch, Aria Belmonte is determined to avoid her past. Even if it means failing to make it work in the Mortal world.
When her building is condemned, and her mediocre magic skills can’t save her, Aria turns to the kindness of strangers. Except her new roommate is no stranger. He’s the one she must avoid at all costs. Her most complicated ex.
Owen Sanchez has a dream. To successfully run the Coffee Cat Cafe despite the bizarre events trying to thwart him. He’d say it was haunted, but he’s never believed in the paranormal.
That is, until Aria walks back into his life.
Twelve years ago, they were best friends - first loves - until she disappeared without a word, breaking his heart. Now, Owen is determined not to let Aria’s presence affect him. All he wants is a simple life. And yet…
Magic fractured their relationship all those years ago, so what will Aria do if, this time, Owen discovers magic truly exists?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Psychic Witch, Aria Belmonte is determined to avoid her past. Even if it means failing to make it work in the Mortal world.
When her building is condemned, and her mediocre magic skills can’t save her, Aria turns to the kindness of strangers. Except her new roommate is no stranger. He’s the one she must avoid at all costs. Her most complicated ex.
Owen Sanchez has a dream. To successfully run the Coffee Cat Cafe despite the bizarre events trying to thwart him. He’d say it was haunted, but he’s never believed in the paranormal.
That is, until Aria walks back into his life.
Twelve years ago, they were best friends - first loves - until she disappeared without a word, breaking his heart. Now, Owen is determined not to let Aria’s presence affect him. All he wants is a simple life. And yet…
Magic fractured their relationship all those years ago, so what will Aria do if, this time, Owen discovers magic truly exists?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2023
My Rating⭐⭐⭐.75
Amount of spice:🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️Queer Romance (B i4 Bi)
❤️Witches, Curses and Spookiness
❤️A little bit of mystery
❤️Second Chance Romance
❤️Roommates to Lovers
❤️Cute Cat
Give a Witch a Chance was such an easy read and I really enjoyed Colette’s style of writing! It didn’t completely blow me away but I feel like it’s one of those series that will get better and better as the author settles into all the characters and we learn more about them. I did give it extra points for hooking me in with the little bit of ghostliness and the mystery around the cafe.
The only reason I didn’t rate this higher is because I think the romance felt like a bit of an afterthought and really didn’t hold my attention. I wanted to connect with them so badly but their whole romance seemed quite surface level. I think I probably would have enjoyed it more if they had just been friends and it was simply just a spooky, witchy mystery about a group of funny, sweet friends.
I would recommend it if you like a low angst romance, a fun cast of characters who make you laugh and a little bit of mystery and magic.
Amount of spice:🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️Queer Romance (B i4 Bi)
❤️Witches, Curses and Spookiness
❤️A little bit of mystery
❤️Second Chance Romance
❤️Roommates to Lovers
❤️Cute Cat
Give a Witch a Chance was such an easy read and I really enjoyed Colette’s style of writing! It didn’t completely blow me away but I feel like it’s one of those series that will get better and better as the author settles into all the characters and we learn more about them. I did give it extra points for hooking me in with the little bit of ghostliness and the mystery around the cafe.
The only reason I didn’t rate this higher is because I think the romance felt like a bit of an afterthought and really didn’t hold my attention. I wanted to connect with them so badly but their whole romance seemed quite surface level. I think I probably would have enjoyed it more if they had just been friends and it was simply just a spooky, witchy mystery about a group of funny, sweet friends.
I would recommend it if you like a low angst romance, a fun cast of characters who make you laugh and a little bit of mystery and magic.
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