I had read the first book in this series in the beginning of the year, so I was excited to have the chance to read an ARC of this book! It’s October and I’m all about a witchy romcom this time of the year and Not Your Crush’s Cauldron delivered on this.

I really love a good forced proximity friends to lovers romance and Olive and Bax were a perfect pair. Their story saw them both grow as people and learn things as they went which is really enjoyed following along the ride.

I also am always a fan of a spicy romcom that features a plus size FMC! All of the books in their series do and it makes me so happy to find another book where I feel represented.

I do need to go back and read the middle book about rose, but honestly I think you could read any of these books as a stand alone and not miss anything plot wise.

I recommend checking this book out when it comes out this winter!

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Publishing Group and the author April Asher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

🖤 Paranormal
🖤 Roommates
🖤 Plus size FMC
🖤 HEA

Quotes

“Be careful what you ask for, angel. If I put my arms around you, I may not let you go.”

“Not to rush or anything, but we’ve developed quite a crowd out here, and they’re looking a bit eager to see some ink on skin. Not skin on skin . . . although I could be reading the room wrong.”

“It wasn’t what you did that moved you forward the most, but the people who stood by your side when you did it.”



Olive is a witch who moves in with Bax the guardian angel to get away from her past roommate situation. Bax is pretty quiet and private in the friend group so when he gives up his room with the balcony instead of giving Olive the spare room is shocking to her. Her friend gives her a welcoming present that is on the inappropriate side and when it accidentally turns on when Bax walks right into the room the embarrassment is real.

Bax had to leave the room quickly because he didn’t want Olive to notice he was turned on by the situation. Bax leaves her to her organizing and heads out for his guardian angel duties which include having to fly here and there but he hates heights. An angel that hates flying of course. During his “mission” he had to save a guy who was hit with some gargoyle powder and he grew wings not realizing he’d plummet to the ground when it wore off pretty quickly. Dax saves him but during the rescue the guy clings to his wings making him falter and when they land on the ground his leg gets broken. Of course he’ll be called in for this situation.

Olive is a professor and she is hoping to get a grant to start a supernatural exchange program for humans to better understand the supernatural community as well as other species within the community. During her class she has them do a list of 10 things that gets them out of their comfort zones & decides to join in when she over hears her coworkers talking crap about how “predictable” she is. She starts her list and decides to check them off.

Bax is called in for his previous mistake of getting someone’s leg broken that his new assignment was brought up as his last chance. Whose face does he look at when he opens the folder? Olive’s. Her getting out of her comfort zone list is landing her in danger & in need of a guardian angel. Of course he doesn’t tell her and keeps it to himself because of the rules that an assignment isn’t supposed to know he is their guardian angel.


Throughout the book they check off her list one by one while trying to hide from their friends that they are a thing. Bax’s father or “sperm donor” as he calls him stirs the pot throughout the story to try and keep is son in line to not embarrass him by tarnishing his bloodline.

We always have to have a falling out before receiving our happily ever after in stories like these. I really have enjoyed reading these books by the author. I want to thank NetGalley, April and the publisher for sending this my way. I am on her arc team so I didn’t apply for this book but it was sent to my email to download. I always want to be transparent!

I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for a review and I’d probably give it a 3.5 if possible, but I rounded down because I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two books in the series.

I really do like Olive, and Bax too, but their story just didn’t work for me as much. I think part of it was the assignment part, and some of it was just scenes that while necessary, didn’t feel like they flowed (the dance competition is the one I think of the most for that - like I know it was on Olive’s list and we wanted to see the list completed, but it felt awkward to me).

I really liked Olive trying to test her own boundaries, and she had some good ones to try. I liked Bax realizing he doesn’t have to keep doing his job because people expect it of him, because of his horrific father, and realizing he can do what he wants to be happy.

The outside-the-relationship world sometimes felt clunky too/not as much as was needed. I was expecting at least something with the girl’s mother as they lead up to the Exchange - I know it’s mentioned how she’s changed, but it would have been nice to see her supporting her daughters.

I feel like Harper is the next one to get a book, probably with Adrian, but maybe with the bar owner? She can be so over the top though that I’m not sure how I’ll feel about her book.

Thanks to Net Galley for the arc! This is the third in the Supernatural Singles series and it's just as hot and spicy as the rest! Olive is the third triplet (or womb-mate as they call themselves). Books are her best friends and her true home away from home, especially when circumstances force her to move in with Bax, the resident Guardian Angel of the friend group. And then Bax's next assignment is her, but he can't tell her or risk losing his wings. So when she creates a to do list to step outside her comfort zone, he signs up to do all the things with her, because he'll do anything to keep her safe. Even aerial acrobatics, snow tubing, a dance competition...and multiorgasmic sexcapades.

I sped read the series this weekend since I didn't realize when I downloaded this one that it was the third in a series, and mostly enjoyed. Found the writing a little repetitive at times but overall a fun and flirty book just like its predecessors.

This is book 3 in a series that follows triplet witch sisters. It absolutely can be read as a standalone which was very much appreciated. After reading this, I wanted to go back to read the other books about the other sisters.

Olive and Bax are friends now turned roommates. Olive is witch who is a college professor and Bax is Guardian Angel. Olive decides to join her students while completing an assignment that involved stepping outside their comfort zone. Due this decision Bax gets assigned to be her Guardian Angel and of course can not tell her. It becomes a journey of Olive stepping out of her safety bubble and Bax joining to make sure she doesn’t do anything reckless.

Of course like any romance, they began to fall for each other. It was a journey for both Olive and Bax. Even though Bax was tagging along with Olive to make sure she did not get hurt, it was a very much a test for him as well. Olive was trying to get out of her safety bubble, meanwhile Bax realized that he can do what makes him happy and not follow the norm of what’s expected.

Watching them both grow individually and together as a couple was fun. This is writing and story lines that I love when both parties gain something instead of it being one-sided.

Thanks to NetGalley, April Asher, and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for this review.

I would recommend this book to public libraries looking for new titles in their contemporary/paranormal romance category. This is the third book in a series.

Such a great book! Immediately added the other 2 to my wish list to purchase! I loved the story line the different supernatural beings where so fun! Both the MMC and FMC where so well written you will love them both!!! It was funny, sweet and full of those good comfort feelings! Definitely worth the read!
I am so happy I recieved this book as an ARC and had the opportunity to dive into this world.

This was exactly what I needed right now. Book three in the supernatural singles series, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this one. This one centres around Olive Maxwell, the third sister of the Maxwell's. She is a bit of a bookworm and avoids adventure, until she sets her students an assignment to do things outside of their comfort zones and she decides to do the same. She has recently moved in with Bax Donovan, a guardian angel and part of their friend group. However she's had a crush on him for a while, and it seems he feels the same. He's not doing too well at work, the GAA has given him one last assignment to prove his worth, however he wasn't expecting Olive to be his assignment. I absolutely loved this one well written, emotional yet fun and humorous, this was exactly what I needed right now. The romance was just spot on. Possibly my favourite one so far!

Third book in a trilogy starring witch triplets

Though each book in this series can stand alone, because it has no cliffhangers, if you read these three books out of order, this book contains spoilers for the first two books.

Olive Maxwell and her sisters, Violet and Rose, are part of a Magical Triad, a set of triplets, who were born 34 years ago and are part of a powerful witch lineage. A Magical Triad is a rare phenomenon that has always before led to extraordinary powers in the first-born, who ultimately becomes a Prima Witch. Olive’s grandmother, Edie Maxwell, was born as part of a Magical Triad 74 years ago, with 41 years between these two triads. However, before that, there had not been a Magical Triad for nearly 150 years. As Prima Witch, Edie sits on the Supernatural Council and was personally responsible for the Supernaturals’ stepping out from the shadows fifty years ago when she was only in her early twenties. She has also been instrumental in preventing numerous wars, both human and supernatural, and her magical power is so enormous, it could light up the entire Northeast electric grid. As the first-born (by just minutes) of herself, Rose and Olive, Violet was destined to be a Prima. However, up until a year ago, during the events of Book 1 of this series, Violet had never shown any signs of magical abilities. As a result, Rose was trained for many years to be the successor to Grandmother Edie. After Violet suddenly manifested some spectacular magical talent, she took over as the Prima successor, and Rose was free, for the first time, to explore any options for her life that she chose. Her adventures occur in Book 2 of this series, in which she falls in love with a half-Demon veterinarian, who runs an animal sanctuary, and becomes a part-time, magical bounty hunter.

In this novel, we get Olive’s story. Similar in looks to her sisters and her grandmother, Olive has a pretty face and is short and plump. After graduating from law school in her twenties, she initially worked at a prestigious firm, but some years back, she left the law to become a college professor. She accepted an offer to become head of the Department of Supernatural Studies at NYU (presumably an alternate-reality version of New York University), where she was the youngest person to ever be appointed as a department head. Unlike Violet and Rose, Olive is not interested in practicing magic. Other than hanging around with other supernaturals from time to time, and teaching regular humans about supernaturals, Olive mostly lives like an ordinary human.

Bax Donovan’s age is not stated, but he is presumably around Olive’s age. He has been employed for an unspecified number of years at Guardian Angel Affairs, an angels-only organization that his family has worked at for generations. Bax heartily dislikes his job, and he is so incompetent at it, he is about to be kicked out of the organization if he blows his last-chance assignment, guarding Olive. The problem is, he is hugely attracted to Olive, who has just become his roommate.

Bax and Olive have been part of a close circle of friends for a long while. During the years they have been acquainted, both have had relationships with many other people and, in spite of both being strongly physically attracted to each other all this time, neither has ever made a move to push the two of them out of the friend zone. But living together, and with Bax suddenly, for no reason Olive can fathom, constantly spending time with her, their mutual attraction becomes more and more overt—and impossible to resist. Unfortunately, as Olive’s guardian angel, Bax is forbidden to have a romantic relationship with her.

Unlike her two kick-ass sisters, Olive’s cautious personality is not conducive to the exciting, action-adventure type of plot of the first two novels in this series. And though Bax has a lot of tattoos, body piercings, and is tall and ripped, he is a “cinnamon roll” hero rather than an Alpha hero. In his job as a guardian angel, Bax is basically an unpaid, woefully unprepared bodyguard. He has no magic to draw upon except wings—which he is too agoraphobic to use except as a last resort. He has no weapons, magical or non-magical, and there is no indication he has been trained to be a competent fighter in close, hand-to-hand combat. Similar to Olive, he looks human and lives like an ordinary human, except for his job, a job which I could not understand or believe in. His employer, the GAA, makes little sense, and there is no attempt in the story to motivate its functions. How does the GAA decide who merits angelic protection? Who foots the bill for all the expenses incurred in offering this protection, including salaries for the guardian angels? The persons being guarded aren’t paying anything, because they aren’t even supposed to know they are being guarded by an angel. Why are so many narcissistic jerks being offered protection? What is the criteria for selection? There certainly don’t seem to be enough angels to go around, such that, potentially, every human or Supernatural could be guarded by one. Do they use a lottery system?

In general, the author has created a very strange take on the whole concept of guardian angels (which are an important feature of the religions, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam), and many crucial questions are left unanswered. First, we are presented with very little information about Bax’s lineage. Do angels only marry angels? If they marry humans—or in the case of his HEA with Olive, marry a witch—which supernatural species predominates in the genes of their children? What kind of education do angels get? Do they have their own schools or attend human schools, as Olive and her sisters have done?

Basically, on the surface, in the other two books, Olive and Bax had potential to be interesting, but in the execution of this story, they are both simply too laid back and magically uninteresting in comparison to the protagonists of the other two books to be anything but a big letdown. It is also hard to imagine what would reasonably hold the two of them back for years from pursuing a relationship if either had a spark of initiative. To me personally, it is not very impressive that only the convenience of propinquity could inspire the two of them to finally, at long last, take their relationship to another level.

Finally, I had two pet peeves about this book. First, there is no “cauldron” in this book, so it makes no sense to put that in the title. Second, I found it extremely odd and off-putting that Bax, an actual angel, would choose as an endearment for Olive the word, “angel.” It would be like Olive choosing, as an endearment for Bax, the word, “witch.” But even if Bax had chosen another endearment, such as honey or sweetheart, the way he employed this endearment toward Olive, especially in their first scenes together, as she is moving into his apartment, comes off as smarmy and borderline creepy, as well as obnoxiously patronizing.

I found out after starting this one that it was the third in a series. With that being said, it absolutely can be read as a standalone book and I loved it.

I loved the entire friend group, and I loved the chemistry and relationship between Bax and Olive. It was a witchy, supernatural, friends to lovers with tattoos and piercings, mutual pining, and just a really sweet story all around!

Quick, witty and romantic. This funny rom com didn’t fail at keeping me entertained with every flip of a page. This novel does not quite have that magical fun the other books thus far have had. There were points where they did some supernatural magic things, but was few and far between and it didn’t play a significant role here.

Olive and Bax, though, we’re adorable! I loved their connection and chemistry. I loved the run ins with previous books characters as well. The characters didn’t quite feel deep enough this time around and if anything — i wish there were more supernatural shenanigans in it

I loved the first two books in the Supernatural Singles Series by April Asher, and I was so excited to read this book. I was disappointed in this one, and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books. One of the main reasons is because it was lacking in magic and the supernatural fun of the first two books. Olive is the third member of the Maxwell triplets, and she is a professor of Supernatural studies. The male main character, Bax, is a guardian angel, but he doesn't want to be one.

He and Olive are now living together, and they have feelings for one another, even if it's just a crush at this point. When Bax gets assigned to be Olive's guardian angel (which is a major part of this story), it just doesn't make any sense. Why does she need protection? Olive encourages her students to complete tasks that are outside of their comfort zone, and she makes her own list. While completing the list, Bax helps her so he can protect her and keep her safe. The problem is that there's nothing to keep her safe from.

I kept hoping for magic to play role, but it didn't happen. Olive and Bax are supernaturals, but it didn't really impact the story. He flew her a few times, but other than that, they didn't really use magic.

I loved the appearances by Lincoln and Vi, Harper, Adrian, and Rose and Damian. This story was also missing the fun of Grandma Edie! She was severely missed. I was happy to see Vi become Prima, but we didn't get much of the exchange ceremony.

My favorite parts were the parts with the friend group because they are a found family. I liked the chemistry between Bax and Olive. I liked their forced proximity as roommates, and I liked that Bax and Olive completed the activities on Olive's list together.

I'm always happy to revisit the Maxwell sisters, and I'm really hoping that my favorite character, Harper, gets her own love story! In my opinion, she's the best character of the series, and I want to learn more about her!

Thanks to NetGalley and SMP for an ARC of this book.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron is the third book in the series. You could read this as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the books in order.

Bax did not like the idea of Violet’s roommate having random people to her apartment at all times of day and night so he offers her his spare bedroom. After Violet moves in he gets a new guardian angel assignment which happens to be his new roommate. He can’t tell her she’s his new job and now has to make sure she doesn’t do anything that can cause her or endanger herself.

At this time Violet decides to take on a project to push her comfort zones. This happens to push Bax’s as well.

Personally I think I liked book 2 the most. Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was good and had some face palm, shake your head laughing moments (especially anytime Harper is involved).

I was so ready for Olive & Bax’s story after reading Vi & Linc and Rose & Damian’s stories. But something about their story just missed the mark for me, and I can’t put my finger on it. By no means a bad story, I just wasn’t as invested as I was in the others. Also, if I can suggest doing a proofread printing.

It was very predictable but I still loved it! There was two spelling errors that jumped out at me but everything else was perfect. I loved the ending of this one more than Not Your Ex’s Hexes and I wish we could see them in their elements later on with Bax doing tats on the regular! The classroom scene was chef’s kiss and I loved the docket idea so much!

‘Not Your Crush’s Cauldron’ by April Asher— REVIEW

Thank you SO MUCH April for the opportunity to be a part of the ‘Cauldron’s Coven Crew’ ✨

Wow.

I thought I loved Violet and Lincoln. ‘How could I love any of the other books as much?’ I thought naively…

Then I was blown away by Rose’s story and character arc. YES! So much redemption. (And also… puppies!)

But Olive and Bax? It hurts to say but they MIGHT be my favorite. I’ve LOVED Bax from book one. Such a fantastic friend- true guardian angel. And Olive has always intrigued me, I thought I’d relate to her most. Their personalities, their chemistry, their adventures— AMAZING.

Read this book, trust me ✨

I'm surprised this book got published, honestly.
It is so poorly written that it's painful to read. The main character, Olive, is superficial, that poor angel guy with a boner every two chapters makes me cringe every time he opens his mouth, sisters and friends are annoying af. What's the point? A bunch of words put together, mixed with sexual references don't make a good "steamy" romance.
1 star for the cover, that is cute.

If there's anything I've learned in the last few years it's that the quality of these witchy romances are quite hit or miss for me - but April Asher's series keeps delivering hits! This is the third book in this series and follows Olive Maxwell and guardian angel Bax. This series is light and fun and everything I want out of a witchy romance.

I had a predictably great time with this! I really loved Olive and Bax together - I think this is friends to lovers done really, really well. It was spicy and sweet and I loved seeing Olive challenge herself with her "Dare I Docket"

Read this for:
- Friends to Lovers
- Roommates
- Piercings and Tattoos
- Fun friend group
- Nickname

My one minor complaint is that there's a lot of telling vs showing and certain scenes are just skipped over and we hear about it afterwards (like the Prima ceremony among others).

Love this series and crossing my fingers for a fourth book with Harper!!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Olive Maxwell the third Maxwell sister finally gets her book. As a professor of supernatural studies she has created an assignment for her students to push them outside their comfort zone. Soon introverted Olive decides to join them in creating her own list of adventurous items.
Bax is a guardian angel with the GAA and has several strikes against him after a failed assignment. Soon after Olive moves in with Bax he is assigned as her guardian angel and begins completing her list with her. The usual characters from the previous two novels appear in this book as well. If you like friends to lovers with a supernatural twist this is a book for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

This is the third book in the series and I had already read the previous two. I had been looking forward to this one because I had grown fond of the characters from the previous books. But, I admit this one was a slow read for me. There were also times where character choices created plot holes in the story, which was frustrating. I still think readers interested in a fun paranormal romance, especially between a Witch and a Guardian Angel, will enjoy it. Can be read as a stand alone, but will be better enjoyed if you read the previous two books first. (Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC)