I can’t say no to a witch-y romance. I liked Ann Aguirre’s Grimspace, so it was a no-brainer to pre-order Witch Please. I had planned to read it in time for The Ripped Bodice book club. Alas, life got in the way. I did finish it up during the Thanksgiving break.
This small-town romance brings together baker Titus and secret witch Danica. Danica lives with her cousin Clem. Together they own a local repair shop where they can practice their special magic to fix broken things. When Titus’ oven breaks, he stumbles in the shop to ask for Danica’s help. They had an instant attraction even if Danica has sworn never to date non-magic men. Titus is known around town for his delicious baked goods. He is a delightful cinnamon roll character who makes cinnamon buns! Titus is adorable but has been unlucky in love with both men and women. He really wants things to go well. Danica can’t resist and tries to have a secret fling. Meanwhile, Danica’s grandma tries to set her up with Binder (aka Tinder for witches) dates to preserve their family’s magical lineage. Danica considers the date set-ups because she doesn’t want to lose her magic as her mom did when she married for love, not magic. When Danica’s magic goes haywire around Titus, she starts to have second thoughts. She fights their attraction to preserve her magic, but wonders why can’t she enjoy herself? Things get dangerous when a witch hunter rolls into town. Danica has to keep her magic in check while somehow avoiding this delicious baker who wants to woo her.
This was a fun and easy read. I felt Danica was overthinking and her cousin was a bit intense. Nevertheless, their sister-like relationship was an intriguing layer to the romance. There was more family melodrama in this book than I expected. Titus and his sister have to contend with their dad remarrying and having a baby. There’s major tension between Danica’s mom and grandma throughout the book as well. It was a clever device to pit magical powers against falling in love. I kept hoping Titus would turn up with latent magic so Danica could date him without regrets! Instead, she has to come to terms with what her heart wants and her familial duty. Clem I am guessing has a similar journey in book two. She starts dating someone dangerous, but like Danica can’t seem to stay away either.
This book had a ton of Practical Magic vibes. If you’re a fan of that film or book, magically inclined protagonists, and small-town romance, consider reading Witch Please.
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