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Strings Attached
Not yet published
Expected 15 Oct 25A grumpy warlock with too many rules. A cellist on sabbatical. And one island full of magic she’s not supposed to notice.
After nine months of nonstop touring, all I want is quiet—time to visit my sister in Magnolia Cove, drink coffee on her porch, and remember why I fell in love with music in the first place. What I’m not looking for? Dean Markham. The town’s intimidating head warlock who radiates authority, scowls like it’s an Olympic sport… and just so happens to be in charge of approving my extended stay.
From the moment he catches me in his arms (and I sneeze in his face—great first impression), it’s clear Dean thinks I’m trouble. Which is fine. Because I think he’s bossy, broody, and allergic to fun.
But the longer I’m here, the more I see the man under all that control—the one who protects this island with everything he has, who looks at me like I’m more dangerous than any magic he’s ever faced. And maybe I am. Because the closer we get, the harder it is to ignore that our connection is as impossible as it is undeniable.
In Magnolia Cove, rules exist for a reason. Breaking them could cost us everything… but for him, I just might risk it.
After nine months of nonstop touring, all I want is quiet—time to visit my sister in Magnolia Cove, drink coffee on her porch, and remember why I fell in love with music in the first place. What I’m not looking for? Dean Markham. The town’s intimidating head warlock who radiates authority, scowls like it’s an Olympic sport… and just so happens to be in charge of approving my extended stay.
From the moment he catches me in his arms (and I sneeze in his face—great first impression), it’s clear Dean thinks I’m trouble. Which is fine. Because I think he’s bossy, broody, and allergic to fun.
But the longer I’m here, the more I see the man under all that control—the one who protects this island with everything he has, who looks at me like I’m more dangerous than any magic he’s ever faced. And maybe I am. Because the closer we get, the harder it is to ignore that our connection is as impossible as it is undeniable.
In Magnolia Cove, rules exist for a reason. Breaking them could cost us everything… but for him, I just might risk it.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 15, 2025
8 people want to read
About the author
Noel Bailey
4 books23 followersNoel grew up with her nose buried in the worlds of Anne Shirley and Elizabeth Bennet, falling for Gilbert Blythe and Mr. Darcy long before she knew what "dreamy literary hero" even meant. Now, she channels that same love of romance and banter into her own cozy, feel-good stories filled with music, baked goods, and a pinch of magic.
When she’s not writing, Noel can usually be found reading her way through stacks of romance and fantasy novels, listening to Hozier and Fleetwood Mac, or hiking through fairy tale forests. She believes life is always better with a sprinkle of fairy dust, a perfect cinnamon roll, and a HEA.
When she’s not writing, Noel can usually be found reading her way through stacks of romance and fantasy novels, listening to Hozier and Fleetwood Mac, or hiking through fairy tale forests. She believes life is always better with a sprinkle of fairy dust, a perfect cinnamon roll, and a HEA.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was such a cozy, heartwarming read that hit me right in the feels. It’s part small-town romance, part magical escape, and at its heart, it’s about two people learning how to open themselves up again.
Dean, who we briefly met in Magnolia Cove book one, finally gets his own story here—and wow, what a transformation. He’s the classic grumpy, closed-off hero with the weight of the world on his shoulders. As the head warlock, his whole life revolves around protecting his community and keeping their magic hidden. Enter Missy, a world-famous cellist on sabbatical, who comes to visit her sister and ends up colliding with Dean’s carefully ordered world. I loved how her music intertwined with the Cove’s magic—it was whimsical and added such a beautiful layer to the story.
The romance itself was very sweet. Dean’s walls start crumbling little by little, and Missy learns to rethink what she truly wants out of life. Their chemistry was tender, soft, and surprisingly moving, even with Dean’s rough edges. There’s a bit of the classic “I’ll break your heart to save you” angst, but it resolves quickly with a grand gesture that had me smiling.
What I enjoyed:
✨ Small-town + magical vibes
✨ Grumpy warlock MMC who finally softens
✨ Sweet, emotional romance (with minimal spice)
✨ Themes of burnout, responsibility, and rediscovering joy
My only critique is that some plot turns were predictable, but honestly? The sincerity of the characters more than made up for it. I adored how Missy challenged Dean, not just romantically but in how he viewed his role in the community. It turned him from a character I wasn’t sure about in book one into someone I really rooted for.
Final Thoughts:
This was a sweet, low-angst, feel-good romance with just enough magic to make it sparkle. Perfect if you want something cozy, emotional, and uplifting without being heavy on spice. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it shines even more if you’ve read the first Magnolia Cove book.
Thank you NetGalley & Noel Bailey for the ARC 💌
This was such a cozy, heartwarming read that hit me right in the feels. It’s part small-town romance, part magical escape, and at its heart, it’s about two people learning how to open themselves up again.
Dean, who we briefly met in Magnolia Cove book one, finally gets his own story here—and wow, what a transformation. He’s the classic grumpy, closed-off hero with the weight of the world on his shoulders. As the head warlock, his whole life revolves around protecting his community and keeping their magic hidden. Enter Missy, a world-famous cellist on sabbatical, who comes to visit her sister and ends up colliding with Dean’s carefully ordered world. I loved how her music intertwined with the Cove’s magic—it was whimsical and added such a beautiful layer to the story.
The romance itself was very sweet. Dean’s walls start crumbling little by little, and Missy learns to rethink what she truly wants out of life. Their chemistry was tender, soft, and surprisingly moving, even with Dean’s rough edges. There’s a bit of the classic “I’ll break your heart to save you” angst, but it resolves quickly with a grand gesture that had me smiling.
What I enjoyed:
✨ Small-town + magical vibes
✨ Grumpy warlock MMC who finally softens
✨ Sweet, emotional romance (with minimal spice)
✨ Themes of burnout, responsibility, and rediscovering joy
My only critique is that some plot turns were predictable, but honestly? The sincerity of the characters more than made up for it. I adored how Missy challenged Dean, not just romantically but in how he viewed his role in the community. It turned him from a character I wasn’t sure about in book one into someone I really rooted for.
Final Thoughts:
This was a sweet, low-angst, feel-good romance with just enough magic to make it sparkle. Perfect if you want something cozy, emotional, and uplifting without being heavy on spice. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it shines even more if you’ve read the first Magnolia Cove book.
Thank you NetGalley & Noel Bailey for the ARC 💌
September 6, 2025
Strings Attached by Noel Bailey is a captivating and heartfelt novel that expertly weaves together themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. From the very first page, Bailey’s writing pulls you into a world rich with emotional depth and relatable characters whose journeys feel both authentic and compelling.
What stood out most in this story was the way Bailey handles the complexities of relationships—the delicate balance between trust and fear, connection and independence. The characters are well-developed and flawed in a way that makes them feel real, which only deepens the emotional stakes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the romantic tension builds naturally throughout the narrative, keeping me invested in their evolving dynamic.
The pacing is well-managed, striking a nice balance between moments of introspection and scenes of meaningful action and dialogue. The author’s prose is polished yet accessible, making the book a smooth and engaging read.
If I were to note a slight drawback, it would be that some plot points felt a bit predictable at times. However, the warmth of the characters and the sincerity of their interactions more than made up for this.
Overall, Strings Attached is a beautifully told story about navigating love with honesty and courage. It’s a perfect pick for readers who appreciate romance with emotional complexity and characters who feel like real people. I’m looking forward to reading more from Noel Bailey in the future.
What stood out most in this story was the way Bailey handles the complexities of relationships—the delicate balance between trust and fear, connection and independence. The characters are well-developed and flawed in a way that makes them feel real, which only deepens the emotional stakes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the romantic tension builds naturally throughout the narrative, keeping me invested in their evolving dynamic.
The pacing is well-managed, striking a nice balance between moments of introspection and scenes of meaningful action and dialogue. The author’s prose is polished yet accessible, making the book a smooth and engaging read.
If I were to note a slight drawback, it would be that some plot points felt a bit predictable at times. However, the warmth of the characters and the sincerity of their interactions more than made up for this.
Overall, Strings Attached is a beautifully told story about navigating love with honesty and courage. It’s a perfect pick for readers who appreciate romance with emotional complexity and characters who feel like real people. I’m looking forward to reading more from Noel Bailey in the future.
September 7, 2025
I’ll admit it, I’m very guilty of judging a book by its cover, and I definitely did that here. Luckily, this story absolutely delivered! From the start, Magnolia Cove pulled me in with its fall atmosphere, crisp air, magical secrets, and that small-town charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and never leave.
I especially loved how beautifully the author wove in the musical references. They added so much heart and depth to the main characters without ever feeling cheesy. Missy’s burnout and her constant pull toward people-pleasing felt so real and relatable. Paired with Dean, a broody, rule-loving warlock, the tension and chemistry were spot on. Their slow-burn connection was the kind of romance you can’t help but cheer for.
It’s a closed-door romance, but that didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. If anything, it kept the focus on the characters’ growth and chemistry. The whole book is an easy, comforting read, and while the plot is predictable, it’s in the best, most satisfying way.
I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, but this one worked perfectly as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be going back and picking up the first two now, I need more of this world!
If you’re looking for a magical, autumn-inspired escape with music at its core, this one is well worth adding to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for a chance to read this adorable ARC.
I especially loved how beautifully the author wove in the musical references. They added so much heart and depth to the main characters without ever feeling cheesy. Missy’s burnout and her constant pull toward people-pleasing felt so real and relatable. Paired with Dean, a broody, rule-loving warlock, the tension and chemistry were spot on. Their slow-burn connection was the kind of romance you can’t help but cheer for.
It’s a closed-door romance, but that didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. If anything, it kept the focus on the characters’ growth and chemistry. The whole book is an easy, comforting read, and while the plot is predictable, it’s in the best, most satisfying way.
I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, but this one worked perfectly as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be going back and picking up the first two now, I need more of this world!
If you’re looking for a magical, autumn-inspired escape with music at its core, this one is well worth adding to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for a chance to read this adorable ARC.
September 4, 2025
3.5
Missy Sinclair lo tiene todo para ser feliz: una carrera meteórica como violonchelista, una gira internacional que cierra con ovaciones de pie y un socio musical que parece hecho a su medida. Sin embargo, bajo los focos se siente vacía y agotada. Decide tomar un respiro y viaja a Magnolia Cove, el pequeño y enigmático pueblo costero donde vive su hermana, con la esperanza de reconectar con la música sin presiones y recuperar la chispa que una vez la movió a tocar.
Dean Markham, jefe del consejo mágico del pueblo, vive entre responsabilidades y secretos. Mantener a salvo a Magnolia Cove requiere disciplina férrea y la distancia emocional que le ha costado familia y amistades. Cuando Missy tropieza con él, ambos sienten una atracción tan inesperada como peligrosa. En medio de risas, roces y veladas llenas de melodía, Missy empieza a descubrir que el verdadero concierto ocurre fuera de los escenarios, y Dean debe decidir si se atreve a abrir su corazón antes de que el pasado vuelva a reclamarlo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Missy Sinclair lo tiene todo para ser feliz: una carrera meteórica como violonchelista, una gira internacional que cierra con ovaciones de pie y un socio musical que parece hecho a su medida. Sin embargo, bajo los focos se siente vacía y agotada. Decide tomar un respiro y viaja a Magnolia Cove, el pequeño y enigmático pueblo costero donde vive su hermana, con la esperanza de reconectar con la música sin presiones y recuperar la chispa que una vez la movió a tocar.
Dean Markham, jefe del consejo mágico del pueblo, vive entre responsabilidades y secretos. Mantener a salvo a Magnolia Cove requiere disciplina férrea y la distancia emocional que le ha costado familia y amistades. Cuando Missy tropieza con él, ambos sienten una atracción tan inesperada como peligrosa. En medio de risas, roces y veladas llenas de melodía, Missy empieza a descubrir que el verdadero concierto ocurre fuera de los escenarios, y Dean debe decidir si se atreve a abrir su corazón antes de que el pasado vuelva a reclamarlo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 11, 2025
This book tells Dean’s story who we meet in book 1 of magnolia Cove. He is the closed off head warlock of this little magical community and is tasked with keeping it safe, magic hidden from humans, and keeping everyone in line but in barrels Missy. She is a world renowned cellist who comes to the cove on a sabbatical to spend time with her sister and take a break from the spotlight. Her music connects with the cove’s magic and it’s beautiful. I love how she challenges everything Dean has believed and every rule he has lived by. Watching his walls come down not only around her but the town was beautiful. He came off as a jerk in book 1 but I loved him once we got to know his story. This book can be read as a standalone but reading the first books give a better depth to the world and characters. Can’t wait to read more of Mangolia Cove! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2025
If you're into love-at-first-touch, want-but-can't-haves, happy endings, and love-can-change-you (into a happier you), this is your book. It's very sweet, with the love story taking center stage. It also talks about burnout and heavy responsibility.
It does have a somewhat in-scene intimacy, but it's handled in such a way that, as a no-spice girl myself, I wasn't uncomfortable. It was more to focus on their feelings for each other and how closer they were drawn together, rather than any explicit descriptions. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It does have a somewhat in-scene intimacy, but it's handled in such a way that, as a no-spice girl myself, I wasn't uncomfortable. It was more to focus on their feelings for each other and how closer they were drawn together, rather than any explicit descriptions. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book
Can you say good girl meet grumpy boy romance ugh my heart with these characters. I like how they met it was so cute and she had no idea what she was about to get herself into and what she found out about what she really wants in her life. He just want to stay in this grumpy place but as soon as she come into his town something change for him and a good way he finally found someone who can kept him with his magic in the best way possible.
Can you say good girl meet grumpy boy romance ugh my heart with these characters. I like how they met it was so cute and she had no idea what she was about to get herself into and what she found out about what she really wants in her life. He just want to stay in this grumpy place but as soon as she come into his town something change for him and a good way he finally found someone who can kept him with his magic in the best way possible.
September 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a cute, cozy, small town magical romance. Dean is the classic grumpy MMC with a soft side for the FMC that he eventually learns to show to others. Missy is coming to visit her sister for a few months as she takes a break from her job that Gabe is beginning to realize might not be for her.
There is a little bit of “I’ll break my heart to save yours” that we know ends up being completely untrue, but we have a grand gesture that fixes it quick.
Overall a fun, cute read!
This is a cute, cozy, small town magical romance. Dean is the classic grumpy MMC with a soft side for the FMC that he eventually learns to show to others. Missy is coming to visit her sister for a few months as she takes a break from her job that Gabe is beginning to realize might not be for her.
There is a little bit of “I’ll break my heart to save yours” that we know ends up being completely untrue, but we have a grand gesture that fixes it quick.
Overall a fun, cute read!
September 12, 2025
The book was sweet, the brooding man was swooned into having "twinkling lights reflecting on his eyes" and overall, sapinnes met music metaphores and self-forgiveness and awarness.
So, yeah. Great book, plus bonus points because there's no overly crazy drama just realistic (ironic enough given the magical setting) family bullshit and loads of "this is my live but I kinda hate it so... Yeap, let's fix it".
So, yeah. Great book, plus bonus points because there's no overly crazy drama just realistic (ironic enough given the magical setting) family bullshit and loads of "this is my live but I kinda hate it so... Yeap, let's fix it".
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews