Title: Potions and Proposals
Author: Kate Callaghan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆
Source: Netgalley
Blurb: In the mystical town of Foxford, tenacious translator Lucinda Hawthorne is on the brink of assuming the prestigious role of High Priestess. However, fate has a mischievous twist in store for her: an unexpected coven gathering reveals that her lifelong nemesis, Benedict Matherson, is also nominated for the esteemed position. They are presented with a grave ultimatum: either become magically bound to one another on All Hallows’ Eve… or risk a fateful vote that could strip them of everything.
Both fiercely independent and driven by their unwavering desires to lead, Lucinda and Benedict reluctantly agree to the binding ritual. Unfortunately, the spell Lucinda’s family casts to thwart the coven’s plot misfires with surprising consequences, and the pair find themselves magically intertwined in ways they never could have foreseen.
With the shadow of All Hallows’ Eve looming over them, the veil between love and hate blurs. Could it be that amidst their rivalry, they will unearth a hidden longing to remain united? Together, they must confront their demons and discover whether they truly desire to be parted after all.
Review: I love a good foxed proximity story, and Potions and Proposals is definitely up there!
The worldbuilding in this story is fabulous. I loved how the paranormal world sits alongside the normal one, with history both good and bad. It really made Foxford seem like a real place. I could easily picture the settings, which isn’t always the case for me, but very much appreciated when it happens.
I really liked Lucinda’s character. But then, I’m curvy and bookish, too, so maybe that was a given. She’s very sweet without that being cloying. The scene where she faced down the werewolves had me grinning – seeing that she had a backbone was gratifying.
Benedict was a bit harder to like, though I think this was because he had fewer chapters. His backstory is tragic and I did feel sorry for him, but I would have liked more insight as to how he fell for Lucy. I know those emotions were always there and he was just unaware, but the dawning seemed a bit sudden and disjointed.
The families of both main characters were fabulous. I particularly liked Benedict’s mum Gwen thawing towards Lucy. That scene made my heart grow three sizes. I could understand why she’d been so cold, what with losing her husband and younger son. Lucy’s Grams was a hoot!
There are two budding romances in the background of Potions and Proposals, both of which I assume (hope!) that will be later books in the series. I liked that they have their roots here without overshadowing the main romance between Lucy and Benedict.
Briefly back to the worldbuilding for a mo. The way magic works in this story isn’t particularly original, but it’s presented in a different light that I enjoyed. All in, I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series!
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