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The Scottish Charms #1
Love's a Witch
Charmed meets The Pumpkin Spice Café in this cozy romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Tricia O’Malley.
She’s hexed. He’s vexed. And for Scotland’s most magical small-town, their feud might just spell disaster.
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
She’s hexed. He’s vexed. And for Scotland’s most magical small-town, their feud might just spell disaster.
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2025
532 people are currently reading
29086 people want to read
About the author
Tricia O'Malley
76 books2,219 followersAs an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 24, 2025
✨Witchy chaos, irresistible chemistry, and a fairy tale town brimming with magical mischief—this cozy romantasy is pure charm from start to finish!
From the first page, I was swept into the windswept magic of Briarhaven, a Scottish town where spells sizzle, curses linger, and second chances just might be real. At the heart of it all is Sloane MacGregor, the fiercely loyal eldest sister of a long-cursed witchy bloodline. Called back to town just as her powers begin to awaken, Sloane must find a way to break the centuries-old curse shadowing her family. The only problem? Knox Douglas—Briarhaven’s gruff, no-nonsense mayor—isn’t exactly thrilled to see her… and definitely not prepared for what her magic stirs in both the town and his heart.
The romance here is everything you want in an enemies-to-lovers arc: heated glares, witty banter, and a slow-burning connection that feels earned and electric. Sloane and Knox have incredible chemistry that sparks across the page, and it was genuinely satisfying to see their guarded hearts begin to soften in each other’s presence. And don’t even get me started on the familiars—a mini highland cow and a tiny dragon? Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
What I loved most was how the book blended lighthearted magical fun with emotional undercurrents: Sloane’s burden of responsibility, her deep bond with her sisters, and the struggle to balance control with vulnerability. The family dynamic was touching, the setting felt alive with folklore and small-town quirks, and the whimsical tone made this an easy, comforting read.
While it didn’t dive too deeply into the darker themes, that breezy tone suited the story perfectly. It's like curling up with a Hallmark movie—if Hallmark had witches, curses, and a grumpy Scotsman guarding the town from magical disasters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with this delicious romance witchery fantasy I absolutely devoured in exchange for my honest review. I’m already excited for the next MacGregor sister’s story—bring on more hexes, heart, and Highland charm!
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From the first page, I was swept into the windswept magic of Briarhaven, a Scottish town where spells sizzle, curses linger, and second chances just might be real. At the heart of it all is Sloane MacGregor, the fiercely loyal eldest sister of a long-cursed witchy bloodline. Called back to town just as her powers begin to awaken, Sloane must find a way to break the centuries-old curse shadowing her family. The only problem? Knox Douglas—Briarhaven’s gruff, no-nonsense mayor—isn’t exactly thrilled to see her… and definitely not prepared for what her magic stirs in both the town and his heart.
The romance here is everything you want in an enemies-to-lovers arc: heated glares, witty banter, and a slow-burning connection that feels earned and electric. Sloane and Knox have incredible chemistry that sparks across the page, and it was genuinely satisfying to see their guarded hearts begin to soften in each other’s presence. And don’t even get me started on the familiars—a mini highland cow and a tiny dragon? Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
What I loved most was how the book blended lighthearted magical fun with emotional undercurrents: Sloane’s burden of responsibility, her deep bond with her sisters, and the struggle to balance control with vulnerability. The family dynamic was touching, the setting felt alive with folklore and small-town quirks, and the whimsical tone made this an easy, comforting read.
While it didn’t dive too deeply into the darker themes, that breezy tone suited the story perfectly. It's like curling up with a Hallmark movie—if Hallmark had witches, curses, and a grumpy Scotsman guarding the town from magical disasters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with this delicious romance witchery fantasy I absolutely devoured in exchange for my honest review. I’m already excited for the next MacGregor sister’s story—bring on more hexes, heart, and Highland charm!
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June 27, 2025Pre read!
Omgggg I got a physical ARC 😭🧡 this book sounds so cute and the cover is beautiful! Tysm to Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster and author Tricia O’Malley for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hopefully going to start this soon after CC3 🫶🏻
Omgggg I got a physical ARC 😭🧡 this book sounds so cute and the cover is beautiful! Tysm to Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster and author Tricia O’Malley for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hopefully going to start this soon after CC3 🫶🏻
August 26, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Enjoyed it!
Sloane MacGregor vowed never to return to Briarhaven. But with her 25th birthday approaching (the day witches get their magic), she answers the summons of her grandmother and sisters. She also has a teeny task – to break an ancient curse on their bloodline.
The town’s mayor, Knox Douglas, worked hard to make the town a safe place for magic folk. He doesn’t want the cursed woman messing things up, even if he had a crush on Sloane long ago.
But… magic has its own plans!
The story comes in Sloane's (more %) and Knox’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series, so the overarching plot is left open. Also, the book divides its time between romance and setting the stage for the central conflict. You’ll enjoy it more if you are prepared for these two.
There’s insta-lust, though the characters have known each other in their teens. Since we get only a couple of short references to the past, you should be prepared for insta stuff. Though the rest of the book is cozy, the romance is hot and steamy (3.5+ with many ‘searing kisses’, lol). This combination could have been a bit odd, but I was expecting it based on all that inner monologue.
Family and relationships, small town communities, and a magical setting (such a beautiful place!) are the highlights of the book. Magic is seamlessly integrated into the plotline. The bond between the sisters is realistic. The grandma is a badass. Totally love her. A few side characters like Raven, Dorothy, Henry, etc., are sweet. I hope Raven gets her own book.
Do you see a cutesy with blue wings on the cover? That’s Blue, an emberwolf (a cross between a dragon and a werewolf) who loves cheese and flies like a drunken bee. Then, there’s a blind cat named Oswald and a wheelchair bound Highlander coo named Higgs. And… another favourite fantasy creature. You can tell they add a lot of charm to the story.
The curse is mentioned at many places, though it is dealt with only towards the end. And since this will be a series, there’s only a partial resolution. The next book has to be Lyra’s, and we know who the guy is!
To summarize, Love's a Witch is a cozy witchy romance that also deals with themes like dysfunctional families, finding one’s roots, overbearing parents, and longing for a place called home.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #LovesAWitch
One Liner: Enjoyed it!
Sloane MacGregor vowed never to return to Briarhaven. But with her 25th birthday approaching (the day witches get their magic), she answers the summons of her grandmother and sisters. She also has a teeny task – to break an ancient curse on their bloodline.
The town’s mayor, Knox Douglas, worked hard to make the town a safe place for magic folk. He doesn’t want the cursed woman messing things up, even if he had a crush on Sloane long ago.
But… magic has its own plans!
The story comes in Sloane's (more %) and Knox’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series, so the overarching plot is left open. Also, the book divides its time between romance and setting the stage for the central conflict. You’ll enjoy it more if you are prepared for these two.
There’s insta-lust, though the characters have known each other in their teens. Since we get only a couple of short references to the past, you should be prepared for insta stuff. Though the rest of the book is cozy, the romance is hot and steamy (3.5+ with many ‘searing kisses’, lol). This combination could have been a bit odd, but I was expecting it based on all that inner monologue.
Family and relationships, small town communities, and a magical setting (such a beautiful place!) are the highlights of the book. Magic is seamlessly integrated into the plotline. The bond between the sisters is realistic. The grandma is a badass. Totally love her. A few side characters like Raven, Dorothy, Henry, etc., are sweet. I hope Raven gets her own book.
Do you see a cutesy with blue wings on the cover? That’s Blue, an emberwolf (a cross between a dragon and a werewolf) who loves cheese and flies like a drunken bee. Then, there’s a blind cat named Oswald and a wheelchair bound Highlander coo named Higgs. And… another favourite fantasy creature. You can tell they add a lot of charm to the story.
The curse is mentioned at many places, though it is dealt with only towards the end. And since this will be a series, there’s only a partial resolution. The next book has to be Lyra’s, and we know who the guy is!
To summarize, Love's a Witch is a cozy witchy romance that also deals with themes like dysfunctional families, finding one’s roots, overbearing parents, and longing for a place called home.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #LovesAWitch
July 29, 2025
After finishing a few books with some pretty wild cliffhangers, this book was the perfect read to reset my month. I smiled sooooo much while reading this and just had so much fun. It was lighthearted, funny, and just a warm and cozy story. The MacGregor family are the absolute best, and the adorable town they’re from completely captured my heart.
The romance was romancing. He falls first and hard and is literally a knight in a shiny kilt. 😂 (I make myself laugh.) He even has a baby cow… our MMC rehabilitates magical creatures, and this Scot is a walking green flag.
PLUS, there are ember wolves (a combination of a wolf and a dragon), and they may be my new favorite magical creature. Blue, the ember wolf in this story, is obsessed with cheese, so I feel like we’re meant to be besties.
I’m really excited that there are more books coming in this series! This is a standalone romance in an interconnected world, and I cannot wait for book two. I adore the sisters and Grandma Broca so much. This would be a perfect fall read if you love cozy witch stories with all the banter, magic, and spice you could ask for.
Thank you @gallerybooks for the free book.
The romance was romancing. He falls first and hard and is literally a knight in a shiny kilt. 😂 (I make myself laugh.) He even has a baby cow… our MMC rehabilitates magical creatures, and this Scot is a walking green flag.
PLUS, there are ember wolves (a combination of a wolf and a dragon), and they may be my new favorite magical creature. Blue, the ember wolf in this story, is obsessed with cheese, so I feel like we’re meant to be besties.
I’m really excited that there are more books coming in this series! This is a standalone romance in an interconnected world, and I cannot wait for book two. I adore the sisters and Grandma Broca so much. This would be a perfect fall read if you love cozy witch stories with all the banter, magic, and spice you could ask for.
Thank you @gallerybooks for the free book.
Want to read
May 11, 2025ARC received! Thank you so much, Gallery Books!!
This sounds and looks so cute. I love a Scottish-based story. Perfect for Summer Reading!!!
This sounds and looks so cute. I love a Scottish-based story. Perfect for Summer Reading!!!
July 30, 2025
Love's a Witch is the perfect cozy fantasy. From the magical-themed shops of Briarhaven, the adorable animal familiars, and a family curse, Love's a Witch had every component I love in a cozy witchy romance. Sloan and Knox's relationship is the perfect blend of slow-burn and enemies-to-lovers. I loved their witty banter and the overall chemistry that in the end, led to some spicy scenes. Overall, this was such a fun romance to read, and I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a magical Fall read to add to their TBR. I am excited to see what is next for the Macgregor sisters in the next book of The Scottish Charm series.
Love's a Witch is out August 26th.
Thank you @Gallerybooks for the physical arc of Love's a Witch in an exchange for an honest review.
Love's a Witch is out August 26th.
Thank you @Gallerybooks for the physical arc of Love's a Witch in an exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
this was so cute and whimsical! this was perfect for getting into the fall mood. this felt like packing up and heading to scotland and i loved the setting! the premise of the generational curse that has plagued sloane’s family for years was so intriguing and fun. this had a great enemies to lovers trope, which is one of the best tropes! tricia o’malley did a great job with the slow burn in this, full of tension and yearning which i adored. i loved knox’s character and was rooting for sloane and knox the entire time. i highly recommend checking this one out for the perfect witchy, fall read!
April 27, 2025
Received my ARC via Goodreads giveaway and couldn’t wait to dive in! Extremely fun, humorous story providing magical elements whilst exploring the plight of the human condition. Seems like this is intended to be the first in a series and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the majestic Scottish sisters!
August 20, 2025
I'm a Tricia O'Malley stan account and had a grand ole time reading this cozy witchy read! And dare I say this is Tricia's spiciest book yet??
✨ Cozy and Spicy Romantasy
✨ Small Magical Scottish Town
✨ Centuries Old Family Curse
✨ Second Chance and Enemies to Lovers
✨ "It's Always Been You"
✨ Hilarious Grandmother
✨ Animal Familiars (including a highland cow!)
✨ Haywire Magic
This is an absolutely adorable witchy romantasy that is Charmed meets Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Sloane MacGregor and her sisters are summoned back to their small magical hometown of Briarhaven as her 25th birthday looms- the day when witches come into their magic. The MacGregor family has been cursed for centuries and their grandmother believes they can finally break the curse once and for all. But, the town's mayor - Knox Douglas, wants them and the magical havoc that always follows them, to leave town before their magic destroys everything in its wake. It doesn't matter that Knox has always had a crush on Sloane and that his feelings might muddle his duty to his town - the MacGregor sisters have to go.
This was a delightful read just in time for the fall season (or really any season!). This story had many laugh out loud moments as well as those that tugged on my heartstrings. The fact that the MacGregor family can't really put down any roots because of their curse made my heart hurt for them. The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Sloane and Knox was filled with banter and hijinks, and also endearing and unexpectedly spicy! The way Knox showed Sloane she is worthy of love had me swooning for him.
I also loved the magical town of Briarhaven and it's quirky group of townspeople. It's a village where magical beings are safe and free to be themselves as well as be a tourist destination. It's a town I would definitely want to visit! The magical animal familiars are also quite the side characters and I adored every one of them! There's Blue, an emberwolf - a flying dog with dragon ancestors, Haggis, a small Highland Cow with a wheelchair and the personality of a golden retriever, and Oswald, the grumpy blind tabby cat.
I absolutely can't wait to see what comes next in this series! Thank you so much to Gallery Books for the advanced copy! 🖤
✨ Cozy and Spicy Romantasy
✨ Small Magical Scottish Town
✨ Centuries Old Family Curse
✨ Second Chance and Enemies to Lovers
✨ "It's Always Been You"
✨ Hilarious Grandmother
✨ Animal Familiars (including a highland cow!)
✨ Haywire Magic
This is an absolutely adorable witchy romantasy that is Charmed meets Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Sloane MacGregor and her sisters are summoned back to their small magical hometown of Briarhaven as her 25th birthday looms- the day when witches come into their magic. The MacGregor family has been cursed for centuries and their grandmother believes they can finally break the curse once and for all. But, the town's mayor - Knox Douglas, wants them and the magical havoc that always follows them, to leave town before their magic destroys everything in its wake. It doesn't matter that Knox has always had a crush on Sloane and that his feelings might muddle his duty to his town - the MacGregor sisters have to go.
This was a delightful read just in time for the fall season (or really any season!). This story had many laugh out loud moments as well as those that tugged on my heartstrings. The fact that the MacGregor family can't really put down any roots because of their curse made my heart hurt for them. The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Sloane and Knox was filled with banter and hijinks, and also endearing and unexpectedly spicy! The way Knox showed Sloane she is worthy of love had me swooning for him.
I also loved the magical town of Briarhaven and it's quirky group of townspeople. It's a village where magical beings are safe and free to be themselves as well as be a tourist destination. It's a town I would definitely want to visit! The magical animal familiars are also quite the side characters and I adored every one of them! There's Blue, an emberwolf - a flying dog with dragon ancestors, Haggis, a small Highland Cow with a wheelchair and the personality of a golden retriever, and Oswald, the grumpy blind tabby cat.
I absolutely can't wait to see what comes next in this series! Thank you so much to Gallery Books for the advanced copy! 🖤
Want to read
May 28, 2025What do you meannnnnnn the publisher sent me an email about a potential physical arc?!?!?! 😍
June 4, 2025
Fun, witchy, and spicy. I loved the sweet emberwolf (think a dog-dragon cross). Full review to come.
August 25, 2025
Plot-This is a story about Sloane MacGregor, a witch returning to her Scottish hometown to break a family curse, and Knox Douglas, a warlock determined to protect his town from her magic.
Knox- mayor, night in shining kilt with a baby cow familiar.
Sloane-chaotic, deeply loyal witch with an ember wolf (wolf/dragon combination) familiar who loves cheese
🧙Enemies to lovers, slow burn with lots of banter
🧙The familiars and that Sloane could talk to hers. Boy did he like cheese.
🧙Sloane’s bond with her sisters and deep loyalty to family
🧙The lighthearted, magical fun
Final thoughts: Chaos, banter, chemistry, snow and magical mischief. I enjoyed this book and listening to it on audio, especially the Scottish accents. It was exactly what I look for in an enjoyable read; cozy, imaginative, romance and a great setting.
June 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5
IM IN LOVE LOVE LOVE
Starshollow but make it a witchy magical small town in Scotland. DEVOURED it in one day. From the first page I got captured into the story immediately and couldn’t put the book down. It’s cozy, romantic, emotional, funny, and fast paced. the plot perfectly executed, and characters are well written.
Tropes you’ll find in the book~
🔮 Magical small town
🔮 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔮 Spicy and beautiful romance
🔮 Close knit sisters / sisterhood
🔮 Pet familiars
🔮 Mentions of fae, elves and dragons
A perfect blend/balance of romance, magic, and coziness as the book sucks you into the magical charming Briarhaven and follow Sloane and her sisters back to their childhood hometown to try and break the centuries old curse that follows their bloodline. Getting to know Sloane’s complex character and her development, her struggles and burdens with responsibilities as the eldest sister and how she deals with them and the obstacles she faces along the way,,, and of course all while keeping it as cozy as possible with all the magic, adorable pet familiars, magical shops and festivities in town.
The love story of Sloane and Knox was everything. The chemistry between them was unmatched, their banter, witty remarks, and the TENSION!! Knox was so sweet and gentle, always taking care of her, reassuring her that she doesn’t need to carry all the responsibilities and taking the burden of her shoulders, while Sloane as stubborn and scared as she was in the beginning, she gave in to her feelings for Knox at the end. The author wrote it incredibly, building up tension and allowing their love to blossom throughout the book without it being forced or sudden.
One of the things I loved the most is the sisters’ strong bond, them standing side by side and always having each other’s backs. I got to see more of Sloane’s sisters, Lyra and Nova, different but lovely personalities, their childhood and how the traumas they faced had affected each of them differently, and how they cope with them. Also there was a small insight into Lyra’s past which I think it might be a hint for a possible second book, and that got me more hyped!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this amazing book🙏💕
IM IN LOVE LOVE LOVE
Starshollow but make it a witchy magical small town in Scotland. DEVOURED it in one day. From the first page I got captured into the story immediately and couldn’t put the book down. It’s cozy, romantic, emotional, funny, and fast paced. the plot perfectly executed, and characters are well written.
Tropes you’ll find in the book~
🔮 Magical small town
🔮 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔮 Spicy and beautiful romance
🔮 Close knit sisters / sisterhood
🔮 Pet familiars
🔮 Mentions of fae, elves and dragons
A perfect blend/balance of romance, magic, and coziness as the book sucks you into the magical charming Briarhaven and follow Sloane and her sisters back to their childhood hometown to try and break the centuries old curse that follows their bloodline. Getting to know Sloane’s complex character and her development, her struggles and burdens with responsibilities as the eldest sister and how she deals with them and the obstacles she faces along the way,,, and of course all while keeping it as cozy as possible with all the magic, adorable pet familiars, magical shops and festivities in town.
The love story of Sloane and Knox was everything. The chemistry between them was unmatched, their banter, witty remarks, and the TENSION!! Knox was so sweet and gentle, always taking care of her, reassuring her that she doesn’t need to carry all the responsibilities and taking the burden of her shoulders, while Sloane as stubborn and scared as she was in the beginning, she gave in to her feelings for Knox at the end. The author wrote it incredibly, building up tension and allowing their love to blossom throughout the book without it being forced or sudden.
One of the things I loved the most is the sisters’ strong bond, them standing side by side and always having each other’s backs. I got to see more of Sloane’s sisters, Lyra and Nova, different but lovely personalities, their childhood and how the traumas they faced had affected each of them differently, and how they cope with them. Also there was a small insight into Lyra’s past which I think it might be a hint for a possible second book, and that got me more hyped!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this amazing book🙏💕
August 16, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Love’s a Witch is a cozy paranormal romantasy that blends small-town charm, witchy magic, humor, and romance. It’s the first book in Tricia O’Malley’s The Scottish Charms series and has the author's trademark warmth.
The story follows Sloane MacGregor, a young woman from a lineage of witches, who returns to her ancestral Scottish village of Briarhaven as she approaches the birthday when her magic fully manifests. The MacGregor women carry a centuries-old curse the family has to break, and Sloane’s arrival kicks off magic-adjacent mayhem. The town’s protector, Knox Douglas, a descendant of the man involved in the original feud, wants Sloane’s family gone. Meanwhile, Sloane’s unpredictable, wild magic blooms, causing further havoc in town!
The story is told from the dual POVs of protagonists Sloane and Knox, giving readers a glimpse into the uncertainties and inner workings of these very opposite characters. The writing is snappy, heartwarming, and hilarious—making it very readable and worthy of a binge-read. For all the trope lovers out there, this book features several popular ones, including enemies-to-lovers, grumpy × sunshine, small-town romance, found family, and sisterhood!
Sloane MacGregor is a likable, relatable protagonist. As the oldest sibling, she feels the weight of her family’s curse and the immense pressure from the people of Briarhaven who want her family gone. Her inner monologues are full of so much uncertainty—her magic is wild and unpredictable, changing forms on a daily basis once it blooms, and the challenge of breaking a centuries-old curse is a daunting task! The coven that she, her sisters, and grandmother are part of is an eclectic group of witches—a few of whom do not have her best interest at heart. Navigating through all of this and dealing with Knox, who makes many attempts to have her family forced out of town, is almost too much to bear, and she’s ready to throw in the towel on a few occasions!
Knox is the grumpy to Sloane’s sunshine—he’s taken over the role of protector of Briarhaven—a town where magical beings secretly come to live freely without persecution or judgement—and he wants to keep the spotlight off the town. What’s working against him is the undeniable attraction he has for Sloane, which stems back from their teenage years—but instead of flirting, bickering and banter are what transpire between them for the first half of the book. But romance fans need not worry because they evolve into lovers quickly later on, after Knox becomes determined to help break Sloane’s family curse after more and more mishaps from the curse are affecting the town! Sloane’s sisters, Lyra and Nova, and grandmother Broca, all bring a wonderful balance to the story with their animated personalities, wit, sarcasm, and supportive natures.
The magic system in this book is original and fun—interesting witch-lore, coven rules, and clan curses. The small-town Scottish setting of Briarhaven is the perfect atmospheric backdrop for this cozy witchy romance—it's a tourist-friendly, magical town with charming landmarks, including enchanted bookstores, dragon shops, and a close-knit gossipy community.
The overall pacing is brisk, as the story is very plot-driven—after the sisters are summoned to Briarhaven, their return triggers magical mishaps in the town, which accelerates their efforts to break the curse. The escalating stakes clash with the romantic tension between Sloane and Know, all leading to a dramatic resolution by the end. Most readers will be engaged throughout the entire story and will be eager to read future books in the series!
Overall, Love’s a Witch is a delightful, cozy romantasy that is full of charm, banter, and magical mishaps! Readers who love cozy witchy stories with family ties, enemies-to-lovers rom-coms, and heartwarming reads will love this book!
Love’s a Witch is a cozy paranormal romantasy that blends small-town charm, witchy magic, humor, and romance. It’s the first book in Tricia O’Malley’s The Scottish Charms series and has the author's trademark warmth.
The story follows Sloane MacGregor, a young woman from a lineage of witches, who returns to her ancestral Scottish village of Briarhaven as she approaches the birthday when her magic fully manifests. The MacGregor women carry a centuries-old curse the family has to break, and Sloane’s arrival kicks off magic-adjacent mayhem. The town’s protector, Knox Douglas, a descendant of the man involved in the original feud, wants Sloane’s family gone. Meanwhile, Sloane’s unpredictable, wild magic blooms, causing further havoc in town!
The story is told from the dual POVs of protagonists Sloane and Knox, giving readers a glimpse into the uncertainties and inner workings of these very opposite characters. The writing is snappy, heartwarming, and hilarious—making it very readable and worthy of a binge-read. For all the trope lovers out there, this book features several popular ones, including enemies-to-lovers, grumpy × sunshine, small-town romance, found family, and sisterhood!
Sloane MacGregor is a likable, relatable protagonist. As the oldest sibling, she feels the weight of her family’s curse and the immense pressure from the people of Briarhaven who want her family gone. Her inner monologues are full of so much uncertainty—her magic is wild and unpredictable, changing forms on a daily basis once it blooms, and the challenge of breaking a centuries-old curse is a daunting task! The coven that she, her sisters, and grandmother are part of is an eclectic group of witches—a few of whom do not have her best interest at heart. Navigating through all of this and dealing with Knox, who makes many attempts to have her family forced out of town, is almost too much to bear, and she’s ready to throw in the towel on a few occasions!
Knox is the grumpy to Sloane’s sunshine—he’s taken over the role of protector of Briarhaven—a town where magical beings secretly come to live freely without persecution or judgement—and he wants to keep the spotlight off the town. What’s working against him is the undeniable attraction he has for Sloane, which stems back from their teenage years—but instead of flirting, bickering and banter are what transpire between them for the first half of the book. But romance fans need not worry because they evolve into lovers quickly later on, after Knox becomes determined to help break Sloane’s family curse after more and more mishaps from the curse are affecting the town! Sloane’s sisters, Lyra and Nova, and grandmother Broca, all bring a wonderful balance to the story with their animated personalities, wit, sarcasm, and supportive natures.
The magic system in this book is original and fun—interesting witch-lore, coven rules, and clan curses. The small-town Scottish setting of Briarhaven is the perfect atmospheric backdrop for this cozy witchy romance—it's a tourist-friendly, magical town with charming landmarks, including enchanted bookstores, dragon shops, and a close-knit gossipy community.
The overall pacing is brisk, as the story is very plot-driven—after the sisters are summoned to Briarhaven, their return triggers magical mishaps in the town, which accelerates their efforts to break the curse. The escalating stakes clash with the romantic tension between Sloane and Know, all leading to a dramatic resolution by the end. Most readers will be engaged throughout the entire story and will be eager to read future books in the series!
Overall, Love’s a Witch is a delightful, cozy romantasy that is full of charm, banter, and magical mishaps! Readers who love cozy witchy stories with family ties, enemies-to-lovers rom-coms, and heartwarming reads will love this book!
August 26, 2025
Love’s a Witch by Tricia O’Malley is the perfect mix of cozy, magical, and just a little bit chaotic—in the best way possible.
I simply adored this fun, quick, grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy. Briarhaven, with all its small-town charm and fairytale quality, instantly climbed to the top of my list of fictional places I want to visit. The world-building is excellent—full of spellwork, enchantment, and just the right amount of mayhem to keep things lively. It honestly felt like the kind of town you’d want to curl up in with a mug of cider and never leave.
The witch familiars completely stole the show for me. As a pet lover, I was enchanted by the way O’Malley gave them unique personalities. A cheese-obsessed emberwolf? Yes, please. I would happily read a spinoff book entirely about the familiars and their antics.
Sloane and Knox’s romance was equal parts swoony and snarky. I loved the push and pull of their enemies-to-lovers banter, especially with Knox grumbling his way into my heart while clearly falling first. Their chemistry made the story sparkle, and the balance of romance with witchy chaos was just delightful.
This book gave me all the autumn vibes—cozy, whimsical, a little mischievous—and it’s exactly the kind of story that makes you want to light a candle, wrap up in a blanket, and lean into the magic of fall.
If you’re looking for a witchy romcom that’s equal parts heartwarming and spellbinding, Love’s a Witch will absolutely cast its charm on you.
I simply adored this fun, quick, grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy. Briarhaven, with all its small-town charm and fairytale quality, instantly climbed to the top of my list of fictional places I want to visit. The world-building is excellent—full of spellwork, enchantment, and just the right amount of mayhem to keep things lively. It honestly felt like the kind of town you’d want to curl up in with a mug of cider and never leave.
The witch familiars completely stole the show for me. As a pet lover, I was enchanted by the way O’Malley gave them unique personalities. A cheese-obsessed emberwolf? Yes, please. I would happily read a spinoff book entirely about the familiars and their antics.
Sloane and Knox’s romance was equal parts swoony and snarky. I loved the push and pull of their enemies-to-lovers banter, especially with Knox grumbling his way into my heart while clearly falling first. Their chemistry made the story sparkle, and the balance of romance with witchy chaos was just delightful.
This book gave me all the autumn vibes—cozy, whimsical, a little mischievous—and it’s exactly the kind of story that makes you want to light a candle, wrap up in a blanket, and lean into the magic of fall.
If you’re looking for a witchy romcom that’s equal parts heartwarming and spellbinding, Love’s a Witch will absolutely cast its charm on you.
August 23, 2025
If you’re craving a cozy romantasy that feels like wrapping up in a plaid blanket on a crisp autumn day, this one’s for you. Set in a whimsical Scottish village, this story delivers small town charm, quirky characters, witty banter, and plenty of magic.
Sloane and her sisters had such fun, dynamic energy, and the romance between her and Knox was pure grumpy sunshine perfection. Knox may be broody on the outside, but he’s all soft and tender when it comes to Sloane 🥹. The result? A sweet, atmospheric, utterly enchanting read that’s as gorgeous inside as its stunning edges.
🍂 Cozy fantasy vibes and. heart melting romance = the perfect fall read.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes ✨
🪄 Enemies to lovers
🍁 Cozy romantasy
💘 He falls first
🔮 Witchy chaos
🏡 Small town charm
☀️Grump & sunshine
Sloane and her sisters had such fun, dynamic energy, and the romance between her and Knox was pure grumpy sunshine perfection. Knox may be broody on the outside, but he’s all soft and tender when it comes to Sloane 🥹. The result? A sweet, atmospheric, utterly enchanting read that’s as gorgeous inside as its stunning edges.
🍂 Cozy fantasy vibes and. heart melting romance = the perfect fall read.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes ✨
🪄 Enemies to lovers
🍁 Cozy romantasy
💘 He falls first
🔮 Witchy chaos
🏡 Small town charm
☀️Grump & sunshine
July 24, 2025
I purposely read this book slowly so I could savour every moment and it did not disappoint. I absolutely fell in love with this new world and Sloane was such a special character to follow. I felt so connected to her and all her worries, even if self inflicted at times, were something I could totally relate to. Sloane is the fixer, she is the oldest sibling and she wants to make sure everyone else is ok. On the run from thei family curse has meant none of them have had am easy life and Sloane wants to make up for that as much as she can.
Knox was everything we want in a book boyfriend, and he has a castle 👀 .... And a highland coo! Honestly he was perfect for Sloane and I am excited to see where this series heads next. Knox has to put the town first, and he has made it a success. However it was interesting to watch him have to reconsider everything he has known.
I can't even start talking about Blue (he is on the cover) because I will probably just blub. (Nothing bad happens to Blue, don't you worry). But he was so cute and literally we all wish for the soeci connection Sloane gets to have. So jealousy is an understatement 🤣
Sloane's sisters are so much fun and I hope we get a lot more of them in the future books. I also am so excited to explore more of the world and the creatures that were mentioned. Especially more about a pub landlord 👀
I adored this book and honestly will wait patiently for the next. I am excited!
Knox was everything we want in a book boyfriend, and he has a castle 👀 .... And a highland coo! Honestly he was perfect for Sloane and I am excited to see where this series heads next. Knox has to put the town first, and he has made it a success. However it was interesting to watch him have to reconsider everything he has known.
I can't even start talking about Blue (he is on the cover) because I will probably just blub. (Nothing bad happens to Blue, don't you worry). But he was so cute and literally we all wish for the soeci connection Sloane gets to have. So jealousy is an understatement 🤣
Sloane's sisters are so much fun and I hope we get a lot more of them in the future books. I also am so excited to explore more of the world and the creatures that were mentioned. Especially more about a pub landlord 👀
I adored this book and honestly will wait patiently for the next. I am excited!
August 21, 2025
4.5 stars really.
This book sounded like a lot of fun, especially with the setting in Scotland! And I enjoyed the small town, the magical aspects, and am looking forward to what I’m assuming will be the other two MacGregor sisters’ books!
The curse has the small town in Scotland getting snow, around Halloween time. This little town of Briarhaven has been able to kind of embrace their magical abilities by making it almost like a theme park, no rides, but all the little shops with magical themes and names. Something that they’ve worked on and made successful. But this strange snow that just keeps coming and won’t stop is not something that will be easy to explain the longer it goes on. Sure, Scotland has some crazy weather at times, but not when it is just this town getting a lot of snow.
Sloane is descended from the witch that gets cursed at the beginning of the story. Knox is descended from the Knight that must make her ancestor leave town once she is cursed. He lives in a castle and is in charge of the town now as the rest of his family has basically left. But he doesn’t mind, for the most part. And while his first goal is to get Sloane and her sisters to leave, he soon remembers the crush he’d had on her before she left, and feels the same pull to her.
Sloane’s magical ability shows up, and turns out to kind of be the same as what her mom had. Which is frustrating as her mother was not great with them. Living with their grandmother, Broca, she must learn how to control it, and they also want to try to break the curse, so maybe they can finally settle somewhere. Especially as their family is meant to be a part of the coven there in Briarhaven.
Along the way there are as I said some wonderful characters in town. Both friends, a possible enemy, townsfolk worried about the curse, especially as the snow comes down, and then the creatures! I love that Knox has a highland coo that has basically a cart for its back legs, and he has a cat. Plus he can hear animals speak, so that is fun. Sloane gets an emberwolf for her birthday gift that is basically kind of a dog with wings, but it can fly and shoot fire from its mouth and it becomes her familiar so that she can soon hear its thoughts with a spell as well.
This was a lot of fun, and again set in one of my favorite places. We had an HEA for Sloane, but the curse doesn’t seem to be completely broken, and the other two sisters may have to deal with it when they turn 25 and come into their own magic. There is a good hint at who might be related to the original witch who placed the curse, or maybe not, we shall see in future books I believe. And I can’t wait to read more!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
This book sounded like a lot of fun, especially with the setting in Scotland! And I enjoyed the small town, the magical aspects, and am looking forward to what I’m assuming will be the other two MacGregor sisters’ books!
The curse has the small town in Scotland getting snow, around Halloween time. This little town of Briarhaven has been able to kind of embrace their magical abilities by making it almost like a theme park, no rides, but all the little shops with magical themes and names. Something that they’ve worked on and made successful. But this strange snow that just keeps coming and won’t stop is not something that will be easy to explain the longer it goes on. Sure, Scotland has some crazy weather at times, but not when it is just this town getting a lot of snow.
Sloane is descended from the witch that gets cursed at the beginning of the story. Knox is descended from the Knight that must make her ancestor leave town once she is cursed. He lives in a castle and is in charge of the town now as the rest of his family has basically left. But he doesn’t mind, for the most part. And while his first goal is to get Sloane and her sisters to leave, he soon remembers the crush he’d had on her before she left, and feels the same pull to her.
Sloane’s magical ability shows up, and turns out to kind of be the same as what her mom had. Which is frustrating as her mother was not great with them. Living with their grandmother, Broca, she must learn how to control it, and they also want to try to break the curse, so maybe they can finally settle somewhere. Especially as their family is meant to be a part of the coven there in Briarhaven.
Along the way there are as I said some wonderful characters in town. Both friends, a possible enemy, townsfolk worried about the curse, especially as the snow comes down, and then the creatures! I love that Knox has a highland coo that has basically a cart for its back legs, and he has a cat. Plus he can hear animals speak, so that is fun. Sloane gets an emberwolf for her birthday gift that is basically kind of a dog with wings, but it can fly and shoot fire from its mouth and it becomes her familiar so that she can soon hear its thoughts with a spell as well.
This was a lot of fun, and again set in one of my favorite places. We had an HEA for Sloane, but the curse doesn’t seem to be completely broken, and the other two sisters may have to deal with it when they turn 25 and come into their own magic. There is a good hint at who might be related to the original witch who placed the curse, or maybe not, we shall see in future books I believe. And I can’t wait to read more!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
August 17, 2025
A big thank you to Tricia O'Malley and Gallery books for the eARC via Netgalley!
I've read many of Tricia's books as an ARC reader, and I was so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read her first trad published book (CONGRATS, TRICIA!!!)!
I always love reading the sweet small-town witchy romances that Tricia graciously bestows on us, and this one fit the bill, Once again, we get to see a tight-knit female friendship group in the form of family and a kind of quirky coven, in Briarhaven. It is also refreshing to see a matriarchal bloodline be the one of importance (yay girlpower!), and all of her books have strong female characters.
Have you ever thought what it would look like for magickal beings (witches, fae, ogres, trolls, etc.) to live alongside humans? If so, Briarhaven, Scotland is the town for you; seriously, it is such an adorable small town, filled with all sorts of magick around!
Our FMC, Sloane, is one of the many cursed MacGregor women that has been cursed to never settle, else she bring doom to wherever she stays. Our MMC, Knox, is the sworn knight and protector of the village, and is tasked with getting the MacGregor women to leave town. Can they beat the curse so they can settle down?
If you've ever read any of Tricia's books, just know that you're in for a special treat all the way from Loren Brae <3
I've read many of Tricia's books as an ARC reader, and I was so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read her first trad published book (CONGRATS, TRICIA!!!)!
I always love reading the sweet small-town witchy romances that Tricia graciously bestows on us, and this one fit the bill, Once again, we get to see a tight-knit female friendship group in the form of family and a kind of quirky coven, in Briarhaven. It is also refreshing to see a matriarchal bloodline be the one of importance (yay girlpower!), and all of her books have strong female characters.
Have you ever thought what it would look like for magickal beings (witches, fae, ogres, trolls, etc.) to live alongside humans? If so, Briarhaven, Scotland is the town for you; seriously, it is such an adorable small town, filled with all sorts of magick around!
Our FMC, Sloane, is one of the many cursed MacGregor women that has been cursed to never settle, else she bring doom to wherever she stays. Our MMC, Knox, is the sworn knight and protector of the village, and is tasked with getting the MacGregor women to leave town. Can they beat the curse so they can settle down?
If you've ever read any of Tricia's books, just know that you're in for a special treat all the way from Loren Brae <3
August 9, 2025
Well, okay then.
That pretty much sums up my feelings after reading LOVE’S A WITCH. The book didn’t work for me, but I’m sure it will be exactly right for a lot of readers.
My issues:
➛The plot was supposed to be about a family of witches needing to break a curse. And yet, until near the end, the sisters do pretty much nothing aside from reminding each other that they need to break said curse. The solution, when it comes, is too simple and totally anticlimactic.
➛The “romance” is 100% angsty lust. We get zero depth and no buildup. Some would call this instalove, but for me it was instalust. There are open-door sex scenes for those who enjoy them, and for those who don’t, consider this your warning.
➛I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Imogen Church and John Hartley. I enjoyed Hartley’s parts, but Church’s interpretation of the sisters was too animated and overly exuberant for me.
*Thanks to Simon Audio for the free audiobook download!*
That pretty much sums up my feelings after reading LOVE’S A WITCH. The book didn’t work for me, but I’m sure it will be exactly right for a lot of readers.
My issues:
➛The plot was supposed to be about a family of witches needing to break a curse. And yet, until near the end, the sisters do pretty much nothing aside from reminding each other that they need to break said curse. The solution, when it comes, is too simple and totally anticlimactic.
➛The “romance” is 100% angsty lust. We get zero depth and no buildup. Some would call this instalove, but for me it was instalust. There are open-door sex scenes for those who enjoy them, and for those who don’t, consider this your warning.
➛I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Imogen Church and John Hartley. I enjoyed Hartley’s parts, but Church’s interpretation of the sisters was too animated and overly exuberant for me.
*Thanks to Simon Audio for the free audiobook download!*
August 18, 2025
Gallery finished copy
This was absolutely delightful and the perfect book for fall or winter. Sloane and her sisters finally return to Briarhaven in Scotland to deal with their family’s magical curse. Standing in her way is Knox, the man in charge of the town. This book covered so much. There was a delightful emberwolf, supportive friends, and burning tension. I liked the exploration of being an oldest daughter and feeling responsible for siblings. The romance moved at the perfect pace and the hate to love trope worked great here. I can’t wait to come back for book two!
This was absolutely delightful and the perfect book for fall or winter. Sloane and her sisters finally return to Briarhaven in Scotland to deal with their family’s magical curse. Standing in her way is Knox, the man in charge of the town. This book covered so much. There was a delightful emberwolf, supportive friends, and burning tension. I liked the exploration of being an oldest daughter and feeling responsible for siblings. The romance moved at the perfect pace and the hate to love trope worked great here. I can’t wait to come back for book two!
August 31, 2025
5⭐️
🏆 - Top Read of 2025
Full review to come
🏆 - Top Read of 2025
Full review to come
June 4, 2025
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Love's A Witch through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Love's A Witch is a "charm"ing witchy romance, with lovable characters and irresistibly cute pet familiars. It's the first book in The Scottish Charms series, and I am already excited for what's to come in the second book!! If someone asked me what I was looking for in a witchy romance book, it would be exactly what O'Malley brings to Love's A Witch.
O'Malley does a fantastic job of blending the paranormal and magic, with life in a small Scottish town and the complexities of being in dysfunctional families. The book definitely brings all of the cozy vibes that I love, but also has added depth in following the struggles that Sloane and Knox both face within their families. I really loved the relationship that Sloane has with her sisters and her grandmother, and it brought a lot of heart and humor to the story. The pacing in the book is also done really well, as the mystery of breaking the curse unfolds and the romantic tension between Sloane and Knox continues to grow with a slow burn you can't resist!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Family Curse
* Complicated Family Relationships
* Scottish Small Town
* Pet Familiars (cat, coo, and emberwolf)
* Tension Filled Romance
* Close-knit Sisters
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 - 😘 (Mild to Medium)
If you are looking for a cozy, paranormal read to add to you Fall TBR, Love's A Witch fits the vibe perfectly. I can't wait to read more in this series!!
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Love's A Witch through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Love's A Witch is a "charm"ing witchy romance, with lovable characters and irresistibly cute pet familiars. It's the first book in The Scottish Charms series, and I am already excited for what's to come in the second book!! If someone asked me what I was looking for in a witchy romance book, it would be exactly what O'Malley brings to Love's A Witch.
O'Malley does a fantastic job of blending the paranormal and magic, with life in a small Scottish town and the complexities of being in dysfunctional families. The book definitely brings all of the cozy vibes that I love, but also has added depth in following the struggles that Sloane and Knox both face within their families. I really loved the relationship that Sloane has with her sisters and her grandmother, and it brought a lot of heart and humor to the story. The pacing in the book is also done really well, as the mystery of breaking the curse unfolds and the romantic tension between Sloane and Knox continues to grow with a slow burn you can't resist!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Family Curse
* Complicated Family Relationships
* Scottish Small Town
* Pet Familiars (cat, coo, and emberwolf)
* Tension Filled Romance
* Close-knit Sisters
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 - 😘 (Mild to Medium)
If you are looking for a cozy, paranormal read to add to you Fall TBR, Love's A Witch fits the vibe perfectly. I can't wait to read more in this series!!
April 17, 2025
This is an ARC honest review. I was so happy when this book showed up. I absolutely love anything Scottish and witchy so this was a home run for me. There’s plenty of banter, magic, spice, and coziness. Some of it was a little cheesy but it worked for this story. I have a good feeling that this book will be a huge success, especially on Booktok. Now I’m going to be patiently waiting for book 2. Thank you to Gallery Books and Tricia O’Malley for the ARC.
June 24, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Another huge thank you to Tricia O'Malley for the absolute GIFT that this book is. Seriously, this is such a treasure that I plan on buying a shelf trophy for my home. I cannot wait for this to come and to see how other people enjoy it.
First of all, I love a small-town romance. Small town settings are so much fun because, as a reader, I get a good chance of getting to know the townies. Tricia did such an amazing job bringing the community together! The only thing I really wanted to see more of was the more mystical aspects of the town. We really only scratched the surface! There's so much potential here.
I love our characters so much. Sloane was fantastic. I love how much potential for growth there was. I really loved Knox too. He can be a bit grating in the beginning, but he grew on me. The sisters were super funny, and I hope that the other books in this series will give me a greater chance at getting to know them (outside of their hilarious quips at their sister's expense). I love Broca so much. I absolutely adore a loving grandmother. Mandy Meadows- ugh! Greatly written. Seriously.
The plot was so good. I realize it's a little early for a fall/winter reads but I couldn't care less. This book makes me wish it was autumn all year long.
Let's not forget the spice. It was spicy. Three out of five chili peppers spicy.
It's fun, cozy and whimsical. I had a good time reading it.
Another huge thank you to Tricia O'Malley for the absolute GIFT that this book is. Seriously, this is such a treasure that I plan on buying a shelf trophy for my home. I cannot wait for this to come and to see how other people enjoy it.
First of all, I love a small-town romance. Small town settings are so much fun because, as a reader, I get a good chance of getting to know the townies. Tricia did such an amazing job bringing the community together! The only thing I really wanted to see more of was the more mystical aspects of the town. We really only scratched the surface! There's so much potential here.
I love our characters so much. Sloane was fantastic. I love how much potential for growth there was. I really loved Knox too. He can be a bit grating in the beginning, but he grew on me. The sisters were super funny, and I hope that the other books in this series will give me a greater chance at getting to know them (outside of their hilarious quips at their sister's expense). I love Broca so much. I absolutely adore a loving grandmother. Mandy Meadows- ugh! Greatly written. Seriously.
The plot was so good. I realize it's a little early for a fall/winter reads but I couldn't care less. This book makes me wish it was autumn all year long.
Let's not forget the spice. It was spicy. Three out of five chili peppers spicy.
It's fun, cozy and whimsical. I had a good time reading it.
June 4, 2025
Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley
The Scottish Charms Book #1
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Gallery Books
Genres/Tropes: cozy fantasy romance, magic, witches, small town
Audience: Adult
Setting: Scotland
Quotes: “...so busy trying to avoid the potholes that I’d forgotten to look up at all the beautiful scenery surrounding me." - Sloane
Characters: Sloane, Knox, Lyra, Nova, Broca, Raven, Russell, Liam, Henry, Mandy
👍 short chapters, multi POV, Scotland, witches, magic, magical pets, disabled Highland coo, book loving FMC, banter, humor, cozy, min- cursing
👎 too repetitive about the curse, leaving town, etc
Description:
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
My opinion:
Tricia pens an awesome cozy fantasy romance with a great storyline and well-written characters! This is my first cozy fantasy romance, and I have fallen in love (pun intended). I always, always love a book set in Scotland! The short chapters made for an effortless read. I truly enjoyed the magical town, magical people, and even their magical pets. Speaking of pets/familiars; they were absolutely adorable, especially the disabled Highland coo...in a wheelchair! I always appreciate a book loving FMC, and Sloane doesn't disappoint. The banter between characters was thoroughly entertaining. There was plenty of humor as well that had me smiling, too. The minimal amount of cursing made for an extra pleasant read. I did find the focus on the curse, leaving town, etc, a little too repetitive. I was extremely entertained by this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy romance books.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #romancebooks #booktok #fantasybooks #cozy
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The Scottish Charms Book #1
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Gallery Books
Genres/Tropes: cozy fantasy romance, magic, witches, small town
Audience: Adult
Setting: Scotland
Quotes: “...so busy trying to avoid the potholes that I’d forgotten to look up at all the beautiful scenery surrounding me." - Sloane
Characters: Sloane, Knox, Lyra, Nova, Broca, Raven, Russell, Liam, Henry, Mandy
👍 short chapters, multi POV, Scotland, witches, magic, magical pets, disabled Highland coo, book loving FMC, banter, humor, cozy, min- cursing
👎 too repetitive about the curse, leaving town, etc
Description:
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
My opinion:
Tricia pens an awesome cozy fantasy romance with a great storyline and well-written characters! This is my first cozy fantasy romance, and I have fallen in love (pun intended). I always, always love a book set in Scotland! The short chapters made for an effortless read. I truly enjoyed the magical town, magical people, and even their magical pets. Speaking of pets/familiars; they were absolutely adorable, especially the disabled Highland coo...in a wheelchair! I always appreciate a book loving FMC, and Sloane doesn't disappoint. The banter between characters was thoroughly entertaining. There was plenty of humor as well that had me smiling, too. The minimal amount of cursing made for an extra pleasant read. I did find the focus on the curse, leaving town, etc, a little too repetitive. I was extremely entertained by this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy romance books.
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***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 10, 2025
4.25 stars
This was everything I love in a witchy romance! I often find myself liking the idea of them more than I do in actuality, but this one checked all my boxes. It had the first person narration, dual POV narration that I feel helps you connect more in a story where there is a slight fantasy element, and more spice than I was expecting (nothing crazy, but I didn't think it was going to be ✨that✨ kind of book, so it was a fun surprise when that got going). Sloane and her sisters are afflicted with a generational curse where they can't stay in one town too long without chaos descending. Always having a nomadic existence, they return to their ancestral Scottish village of Briarhaven to attempt to break the curse. With them, they bring a snow storm that just won't let up, and town mayor Knox, trying to protect his constituents, does everything in his power to try to drive them away. But Knox has long been harboring a crush on Sloane since his teenage years, and when she comes back, he falls fast and hard. I loved the town of Briarhaven, with its hiding in plain sight magical tourism, and the colorful townsfolk characters. But what I found most refreshing was the relationship between Sloane and her sisters, with their snarky banter and frequent needling of each other. So often sisterly relationships are portrayed as being overly saccharine and lovey dovey and I enjoyed reading a more realistic representation. Also, I want an emberwolf. First in a series, it ended without full resolution, and I'm completely on the hook to see what is coming next in the MacGregor sisters quest to end the curse.
🔥✨ Thank you Gallery Books for a copy of Love's a Witch
This was everything I love in a witchy romance! I often find myself liking the idea of them more than I do in actuality, but this one checked all my boxes. It had the first person narration, dual POV narration that I feel helps you connect more in a story where there is a slight fantasy element, and more spice than I was expecting (nothing crazy, but I didn't think it was going to be ✨that✨ kind of book, so it was a fun surprise when that got going). Sloane and her sisters are afflicted with a generational curse where they can't stay in one town too long without chaos descending. Always having a nomadic existence, they return to their ancestral Scottish village of Briarhaven to attempt to break the curse. With them, they bring a snow storm that just won't let up, and town mayor Knox, trying to protect his constituents, does everything in his power to try to drive them away. But Knox has long been harboring a crush on Sloane since his teenage years, and when she comes back, he falls fast and hard. I loved the town of Briarhaven, with its hiding in plain sight magical tourism, and the colorful townsfolk characters. But what I found most refreshing was the relationship between Sloane and her sisters, with their snarky banter and frequent needling of each other. So often sisterly relationships are portrayed as being overly saccharine and lovey dovey and I enjoyed reading a more realistic representation. Also, I want an emberwolf. First in a series, it ended without full resolution, and I'm completely on the hook to see what is coming next in the MacGregor sisters quest to end the curse.
🔥✨ Thank you Gallery Books for a copy of Love's a Witch
August 13, 2025
Audiobook:Book Review 📖🕯️✨🍂🍄🟫
thank you so much partner @gallerybooks @simon.audio for the gifted ARC and audiobook!
Love's a Witch
by Tricia O'Malley
Narrated by Imogen Church, John Hartley
About the book 👇🏽
She’s hexed. He’s vexed. And for Scotland’s most magical small-town, their feud might just spell disaster.
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
🍄🟫 My thoughts:
I had so much fun with this one!! This was a hybrid read split just about equally between physical read and audiobook listen. I love them both so much I just had to listen to the audiobook If I couldn’t sit and read. I thought the narrators chosen were perfect because the accents really had me lost and swooning in this story. And for some reason it was the magical mushrooms popping up that had me giggling and kicking my feet. This story really is the right amount of whimsical and cozy. And not only do we get a swoony romance we also get to see the bonds of sisterhood. With quirky characters, a magical small town, and tension you can cut with a knife, this is the book you’ll love as we head in to the ‘ber months! I can’t wait to continue this charming series. Love’s a Witch hits shelves 8/26/25!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🕯️
thank you so much partner @gallerybooks @simon.audio for the gifted ARC and audiobook!
Love's a Witch
by Tricia O'Malley
Narrated by Imogen Church, John Hartley
About the book 👇🏽
She’s hexed. He’s vexed. And for Scotland’s most magical small-town, their feud might just spell disaster.
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming—the day witches come into their magic—her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.
Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.
But magic has other plans—and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.
🍄🟫 My thoughts:
I had so much fun with this one!! This was a hybrid read split just about equally between physical read and audiobook listen. I love them both so much I just had to listen to the audiobook If I couldn’t sit and read. I thought the narrators chosen were perfect because the accents really had me lost and swooning in this story. And for some reason it was the magical mushrooms popping up that had me giggling and kicking my feet. This story really is the right amount of whimsical and cozy. And not only do we get a swoony romance we also get to see the bonds of sisterhood. With quirky characters, a magical small town, and tension you can cut with a knife, this is the book you’ll love as we head in to the ‘ber months! I can’t wait to continue this charming series. Love’s a Witch hits shelves 8/26/25!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🕯️
August 4, 2025
Charmed meet Pumpkin Spice Cafe? Yes please!! I get a bit nervous when there are comparisons to something I love.. in this case Charmed, as the expectation can be a bit high. Thankfully, this delivered!
It was such a delightful read and the bonus of it being in Scotland?? It combined the best parts of the coziness that you get from PSC and the urban fantasy aspect of Charmed.
What I really liked is the book just dives in from page one and is a complete page turner. At times there were some deeper themes if you read between the lines but personally I didn’t get wrapped up in it as I needed a palate cleanser when I read it. But a reader looking for some more emotional themes can find them in the subtext.
Many times I compare these cozies to Hallmark but not this time. It had more substance than that.
So if you like enemies to lovers, whimsical, cheesy humor and witchy vibes this will be a perfect read for the fall reading season, especially as a break from heavier books.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Gallery Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
It was such a delightful read and the bonus of it being in Scotland?? It combined the best parts of the coziness that you get from PSC and the urban fantasy aspect of Charmed.
What I really liked is the book just dives in from page one and is a complete page turner. At times there were some deeper themes if you read between the lines but personally I didn’t get wrapped up in it as I needed a palate cleanser when I read it. But a reader looking for some more emotional themes can find them in the subtext.
Many times I compare these cozies to Hallmark but not this time. It had more substance than that.
So if you like enemies to lovers, whimsical, cheesy humor and witchy vibes this will be a perfect read for the fall reading season, especially as a break from heavier books.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Gallery Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
August 26, 2025
Love's a Witch was such a charming and fun witchy read! It’s a cozy romantasy set in Scotland which made it an automatic read for me. If that’s not enough, there’s a centuries-old curse plaguing the FMC’s bloodline, adorable familiars and an enemies to lovers romance where he falls first.
It’s told through the dual POV of Sloane and Knox and FULL of wonderful characters. I loved the MacGregor family and the sisterly bond between Sloane, Lyra and Nova was one of my favorite parts. Then there’s Sloane’s love interest, Knox, who is a literal knight. Only instead of armor he wears kilts. As mayor, he needs the MacGregors to leave so their curse stops wreaking havoc on his town so I loved seeing him slowly shift to wanting Sloane to stay. Because of the curse, Sloane has never been able to stay in one place too long so it was great seeing her finally be able to start putting down roots. The Charms coven were quite entertaining as well.
The romance between Sloane and Knox was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Their chemistry was off the charts and the slow-burn, push and pull was so good.
The animals were an added bonus - an emberwolf, highland cow with a wheelchair and a cat to name a few.
I absolutely loved the little town of Briarhaven and can’t wait to revisit it in the next book.
It’s the perfect book for your fall TBR if you enjoy cozy fantasy!
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s told through the dual POV of Sloane and Knox and FULL of wonderful characters. I loved the MacGregor family and the sisterly bond between Sloane, Lyra and Nova was one of my favorite parts. Then there’s Sloane’s love interest, Knox, who is a literal knight. Only instead of armor he wears kilts. As mayor, he needs the MacGregors to leave so their curse stops wreaking havoc on his town so I loved seeing him slowly shift to wanting Sloane to stay. Because of the curse, Sloane has never been able to stay in one place too long so it was great seeing her finally be able to start putting down roots. The Charms coven were quite entertaining as well.
The romance between Sloane and Knox was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Their chemistry was off the charts and the slow-burn, push and pull was so good.
The animals were an added bonus - an emberwolf, highland cow with a wheelchair and a cat to name a few.
I absolutely loved the little town of Briarhaven and can’t wait to revisit it in the next book.
It’s the perfect book for your fall TBR if you enjoy cozy fantasy!
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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