A Dark and Secret Magic is the perfect cozy witchy read, especially for the autumn season. The story follows Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a reclusive hedge witch who’s quite content with her quiet life. She spends her days foraging herbs, working at her apothecary, and enjoying the solitude. But everything changes when her older sister, Miranda, asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering, which also happens to be Kate's birthday. As the pressure builds for the event, Kate's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when a familiar face from her past, Matthew Cypher, arrives seeking sanctuary.

The plot is wonderfully character-driven, focusing on Kate as she’s forced to confront the dark secrets her mother kept from her, as well as her complicated history with Matthew. The tension between them simmers nicely, and I found Matthew to be a swoon-worthy love interest. Their romance adds a great layer of warmth to the story.

Overall, A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting read, blending the cozy feel of a witch's life with a mystery that kept me hooked. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories of magic, secrets, and a touch of romance.

A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting blend of fantasy, mystery, and romance that immediately drew me into its richly imagined world. The story follows Hecate, a hedge witch who discovers her coven has been keeping secrets from her. Kate thought she knew the extent of her magic until a handsome necromancer, Matthew, helps her access her untapped power. With immersive writing, Kinney expertly balances moments of tension with poignant character development. Kate whips up so much delicious food in the story and I was thrilled to find the recipes at the end of the book. This cozy little gem is THE book of autumn!

Perfect book for autumn reading! The setting is perfect and so autumnal, the characters are likeable, and the story was pretty interesting and kept me engaged. All in all, I have no complaints as far as a seasonal romance-driven paranormal book goes.

I think what I loved the most was how cozy and warm the settings are in this book. The main plot of family secrets and dark magic is fun and it did keep me reading because I wanted to know what was actually going on, but I was really reading it for the cozy feelings. The cottage with its inviting kitchen was where I wish I could transport. I also loved the recipes and details used; it just made it seem more like “realistic” in a sense and I appreciated that. It seemed like the author took their time and actually did some research! Other than that, this is a super cute story that is perfect for October.

this book was EVERYTHING needed to get into the Halloween spirit! While there were still enough stakes, everything felt calm, warm, and nostalgic. 10/10 for the vibes and could see myself rereading every fall season

If, like me, you were a bit disappointed by the Ex Hex, I’ve got the Halloween book for you. “A Dark and Secret Magic” is everything I wanted the Ex-Hex to be, but even witchier and with a stronger plot. I really enjoyed the Samhain-centric setting, the rival covens, and the foreboding feeling of “something is not quite right here”. If you’re the type to watch Practical Magic every year to get into the Halloween spirit, then you might enjoy this book’s mix of cozy and spooky vibes. 4 stars from me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Dark and Secret Magic" is an unexpected beautiful and cosy novel perfect for fall and raniy days, especially when Halloween is approaching. I read this book in the best time of the year and the homely and warm atmosphere carried me in the little town of Ipswich with Kate and Matthew, surrounded by magic and love.

This novel narrates Hecate "Kate" Goodwin's life one week before Halloween. Kate is a hedge witch, her craft is a mysterious and rare one and after her mother's death, she finds herself all alone in her cottage, trying to prepare her old manor to host the annual Halloween party for her sisters and her coven, But contingencies don't stop there, for a hexan named Matthew Cypher requests her aid and as a hedge witch, Kate has no choice but host him into her house. In the meantime, dangerous forces reveals themselves and cast a different and terrifying light upon Kate's mother when a grimoire filled with dark magic is found.

"A Dark and Secret Magic" isn't a mere romance novel with a magical background. The magic system, Kate's powers in particular, is the main focus of this story. The author deals with every aspect of being a witch and the magic included in this book is well-described and it perfectly blends with the atmopshere and the plot itself. The villain, who only appears toward the end of the book, and his story remainded me of Hades and Persephone, but at the same time it's something different and innovative. I really liked the ending, I didn't expect such a finale, and yet it felt like the only plausible closure to the story.

The main characters are Kate, the entire book is narrated from her poin of view, and Matthew. Even though the latter doesn't have a pov, he instantly reached my heart. I really loved him throughout the entire novel, he's the kind of male character I love reading about. He's charming, caring, loving, funny, and respectful. What more can I ask for?
On the other hand, Kate was a easily lovable protagonist and narrator. I enjoyed reading this novel from her point of view and I felt extremely connceted to her. Kate is torn between what her mother taught her and all the secrets her magic keeps hiding, she's the middle sister and she doesn't complain about her elder sister's behaviour. I wanted to read more about the Goodwin sisters and I craved to see Kate show more backbone.

The romance was my favourite part. Even if Kate and Matthew has only one week to build a proper relationship, the author did a wondeful job by making it belivable. It didn't feel rushed or forced. Matthew and Kate are made to be together and their bond is born and it grows stronger as the story proceeds. I'm talking about a toe-curling love story that will keep you awake at night reading and rooting for these two..

However, you should totally give " A Dark and Secret Magic" a chance and read it during Halloween!

*Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an ARC of this book!*

This book was the perfect read for the Fall/Halloween season. The magic system was easy to grasp and it just felt so cozy. The author gives such beautiful and real descriptions. Also I think this is the hungriest I’ve ever been reading a book!! I need to try everything they cooked in this book immediately.

I loved Hecate and Matthew so much. I was absolutely wounded at the way I thought things would end but thankfully it wrapped up beautifully.

I fear after this book however I must somehow figure out how to become a real witch. There is no way a world like this can be only fictional, I refuse to believe that.

A Dark and Secret Magic is the perfect cozy witchy read, especially for the autumn season. The story follows Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a reclusive hedge witch who’s quite content with her quiet life in a secluded cottage. She spends her days foraging herbs, working at her apothecary, and enjoying the solitude with only her black cat for company. But everything changes when her older sister, Miranda, asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering, which also happens to be Kate's birthday. As the pressure builds for the event, Kate's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when a familiar face from her past, Matthew Cypher, arrives seeking sanctuary.

The plot is wonderfully character-driven, focusing on Kate as she’s forced to confront the dark secrets her mother kept from her, as well as her complicated history with Matthew—a practitioner of forbidden magic. The tension between them simmers nicely, and I found Matthew to be a compelling and swoon-worthy love interest. Their romance adds a great layer of warmth to the story, balancing the darker elements brought by the discovery of her mother's mysterious tome.

Despite its smaller setting—the majority of the story unfolds in Kate's cozy cottage and small town—the book delivers a rich, atmospheric world filled with magical intrigue. I loved how the plot wove together Kate's personal growth, the romance, and the unraveling of her coven's dark legacy.

Overall, A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting read, blending the cozy feel of a witch's life with a mystery that kept me hooked. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories of magic, secrets, and a touch of romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was the perfect Autumnal Halloween read, with just the right amount of scary for a wimp like me. I loved the descriptions, I loved the characters, I loved the plot - I would absolutely recommend, and will be looking out for more of Kinney’s books. I’m already looking forward to the next one, be it a sequel, or something new. But now, I seriously wish I could sample some of Kate’s Mum’s cooking, the descriptions are that good…(and I can, thanks to the bonus recipe chapters at the back)!

With thanks to the publisher, and to NetGalley, for an e-ARC to read and review.

Another perfect read for the autumn season! 🍂

In A Dark and Secret Magic, we follow Hecate, or Kate, after her mother’s passing as she takes on the responsibilities of being the last hedge witch. Her quiet life is turned upside down by an unexpected guest, the discovery of new powers, and hidden secrets about her mother that she never knew.

Inspired by the Persephone and Hades myth, this story beautifully blends cozy and spooky vibes. I especially loved learning about Kate’s duties as a hedge witch and how each member of her coven possessed unique powers that added depth to the magical world.

While the pacing was slower than I typically preferred, the cozy atmosphere made it a pleasure to linger in the story. The stakes were high enough to keep me engaged, and the balance between the magic and the unfolding secrets kept the narrative moving.

The romantic subplot between Kate and Matthew was another highlight for me. The development of their relationship was just the right mix of romance and plot, complementing the story without overshadowing it.

Overall, A Dark and Secret Magic is a fantastic Halloween read that I would highly recommend to fans of Practical Magic. It offers the perfect combination of cozy, witchy vibes with a touch of romance and mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with the e-book ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Another perfect read for the fall season! We follow Hecate after her mother’s death, continuing on with her duties as a sole hedge witch. Hecate, or Kate, is surprised by an unexpected guest, new powers and secrets she never learned about her mother.

This was so cozy but spooky at the same time. I loved learning about Kates duties as a hedge witch, and how each member of the coven had unique powers. It was a bit of a slow pace but I felt it lent to the cozy atmosphere, and the stakes were still high enough to keep me entertained. There was also a really nice romantic element as well. The whole book kind of gave me Halloweentown and Belladonna (by Adalyn Grace) vibes. I feel like this would also be a great audiobook, and the cover is just perfect!

Thanks to @netgalley, Kinney Wallis and @alcovepress for this e-ARC

Super cozy and sweet! I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the writing and the world-building, especially all the different types of witches (obviously I would love to be a book witch). The only negative was I wished we got to see the romance develop a bit more. A great autumn read!

Pure spooky season witchy coziness! I loved everything about this sweet story that fans of Practical Magic especially will love. The variety of magic and witchcraft in this book is really entertaining and the entire book just has the Halloween atmosphere pouring out of it.

This Halloween is an important one for Hecate Goodwin. Not only is it Samhain, an important holiday celebration she has to host for her entire coven, it is also her 31st birthday, marking the day she must forsake all other forms of magic and dedicate herself to a craft she was forced to choose.

The week leading up to the celebration brings chaos into Hecate's quiet life with the appearance of a mysterious guest from a rival coven, a secret grimoire that bares her dead mother's handwriting, and ominous mentions of an unknown entity called The King Below. Kate has to unravel her mother's many secret and learn what it actually means to be a hedge witch.

A Dark and Secret Magic is a cozy romantasy, ultimately about the reclamation of power and autonomy in the wake of choices that were made for you, dressed up in Halloween decorations. 

When Kinney set out to write a love letter to Halloween she not only succeeded but excelled! A Dark and Secret Magic has some of the most immersive descriptions I’ve ever read! I could picture every piece of decor, every meal, and every outfit like it was right in front of me. There was so much intention *wink* on every page.

I loved the developing relationship between Kate and Matthew. It was the perfect balance of romance and plot. Cozy with just enough action to keep the pages turning, it was a quick and fun read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the crunch of autumn leaves, houses that go all out for Halloween, and stories that feel like the first bite of a home-cooked meal. Teaming with dark family secrets, food porn, and a sort of nostalgic charm, A Dark and Secret Magic is definitely the book to revisit every year for the Halloween season.

Hecate Goodwin, Kate to her friends, has curated the perfect life as a hedge witch, living in a secluded cottage with only a black cat for company. She spends her days foraging herbs from the Ipswich forest, gardening, and creating tinctures to sell at the apothecary she owns. Most evenings pass without her speaking to another human being, an arrangement she quite prefers.

Kate’s solitude is thrown into disarray when her older sister, Miranda, reaches out and asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering. The day marks the beginning of the new year for witches and is also Kate’s birthday. The pressure from her coven to make the evening memorable mounts as the event draws near. To complicate things further, a handsome man from Kate’s past turns up at her cottage, asking for sanctuary. It is Kate’s duty as a hedge witch to honor this request, much to her dismay. Matthew Cypher is no ordinary lost soul–he’s a practitioner of forbidden magic who’s tricked Kate once before, and her guard is up.

As she juggles Matthew’s arrival and the preparations for Halloween, Kate comes across an old tome shrouded in dark magic. She is horrified when she realizes the blood-red inscription is written in familiar handwriting: her recently deceased mother’s. Afraid to even touch the dark magic her mother secretly studied, Kate can turn only to Matthew for help. Her idealized memory of her mother begins to distort, and as she and Matthew grow closer, Kate has to reevaluate whom she can really trust.

A dark and secret magic was such a fun read and it was perfect for spooky season. It had magic, mystery, Yummy food and romance everything I want in a cozy fantasy. I really enjoyed it and if you are a fan of practical magic I think you will really like it too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!

A Dark and Secret Magic was a perfect witchy, spooky, cozy read. While the world Kinney created had cozy elements with the cooking/kitchen-witch moments, there was plenty of dark and atmospheric moments to keep me entertained. I loved the relationship between Hecate and Matthew, and I believed the trials of her relationships with her sisters. It was a beautiful book inside and out - the cover is gorgeous!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an atmospheric, spooky, yet still somehow cozy, read. It has just a touch of romance, but the character development was what kept me coming back!

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Secret Magic definitely has the practical magic feel as well as the hades and persephone theme. I loved this book so much that I read it within 12 hours, and I couldn't put it down until I finished. Everything from the magic system to the humor and character development was immaculate and so well written that I was left wishing for more. The ending was perfect, so I can't be mad that it ended. This book has earned a place on my shelves upon official publication.

This is the perfect seasonal read! It was cozy and yet had stakes that weren't *so* cozy but just worked with this book

Updated Review: I lack the ability to write down how much this book means to me. When I started reading this book, I had no idea that it would end up being one of my most favourite books of all time. It did and I am so utterly at loss of words.

It is my witchy dream and the warmest hug. In this book a hedge-witch lives by the woods. In her small town of her small coven, she lives in a cottage and grows her own vegetables and cooks elaborate meals. She writes down daily tasks in her herbal and knits blankets and does her best to survive on her own.

But she has other identities as well. She is the middle child, afraid of not being good enough, torn between duties and desires and an overall good person.

In her story we meet a charming man, her sisters, coven full of witches and old curse. And it’s the perfect balance of all of those. The love story never takes the front role. It’s her story and we are fortunate enough to be witness of this.

Honestly if you ask me what I think of it, the best way I could describe it might be bunch of incoherent words- woods, magic, autumn, October, herbs, foods, brown, cozy, witchy and love.

Read this book. Now now now!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ebook and changing my life 😭 Because for the rest of my life, this is going to be what I associate autumn with.

Initial Review I will write a beautiful review for this beautiful book. For now the only thing you need to know is, I am in love with this book. I read 67 books so far this year and this is only the fourth book I gave 5 stars to. It blew me away!!!! And to think this is a debut novel!!!!! Truly magical!!!!