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

A Dark and Secret Magic is a very sweet and cozy fall read. It. This story has everything cozy you could want for an autumn read. This story fits squarely in the cozy fantasy genre and knows it's audience. There were times were i wanted the story to go a little deeper and say more but I don't think that is what the author intended for this to be. This is a vibe story, read it in October and feel all the feels.

OMG, this was the *ultimate* fall, witchy read! Picture this: cozying up with a blanket, crisp autumn air outside, and diving into a world brimming with magic, curses, and witches. It’s everything you crave for those perfect Fall vibes. This book had it *all*— covens, curses, forbidden magic, and even a slow-burn romance that had me *swooning*! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Seriously, it’s made my favorites list for 2024 already!

If you love the mix of Hades and Persephone mythology, **Practical Magic** charm, and just a sprinkle of **Charmed** (because let's be real, Matthew gives major Cole vibes), you *need* to read this.

Hecate Goodwin (Kate) is a hedge witch living in a cozy cottage, spending her days collecting herbs. But, just a week before Halloween—aka her 31st birthday—her sister drops a bomb: Kate’s hosting the coven’s New Year event, a special containment ritual where she’ll give up some of her magic. And if that wasn’t enough to stress her out, a man from her past, Matthew, suddenly shows up seeking sanctuary. It’s been over 10 years since she last saw him, and let’s just say there’s some *serious* tension. Oh, and by the way, Matthew practices *forbidden* shadow magic! 😲

Things get even more mysterious when Kate stumbles upon a spellbound, cursed tome, written in handwriting that suspiciously resembles her late mother’s. With Matthew’s help, she starts unraveling secrets about her magic, her past, and her family that she was never told.

Now, let me just *scream* about the chemistry between Kate and Matthew! The tension, the longing, the sparks flying between them—it’s *electric*! I need more of their story ASAP. This world was so immersive, I could live in it forever. The side characters, especially Kate’s two sisters, were just as fascinating and added so much depth to the story.

It’s fast-paced, with no slow moments to drag you down. The writing? Absolutely gorgeous. I savored *every* word. And don’t even get me started on the food descriptions—there were so many cozy, magical recipes mentioned that I’m convinced we need a cookbook inspired by this story!

Plus, learning about the hedge witch lineage from Hecate’s ancestors was such a cool touch. Overall, this book was pure autumn magic, and I’m already craving more from this world!

Absolute 5 star read! Pick this up before Halloween!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

This isn’t fully a cozy fantasy because of all the action, but it is cozy ish. I still enjoyed the world where she’s able to make magical food and heal people while living in her little cottage.

I like that the ending feels full of hope and that the future will be better.

There is something magical about this book that makes it feel like a safe place to call home.

This is definitely a cozy fall read that is full of references to everything fall from the late 90's to early 00's. The original title of this book This Book Is For October tells you everything you need to know about what you'll find inside. And not only are there sly mentions of references to all of our Halloween favorites, this book is also full of some of our time-honored holiday traditions.

Crafting, pumpkin carving, making caramel apples, decorating, and celebrating the festivities with friends. The food. THE FOOD. Our MC Kate's mother's magic was in her food and she taught her recipes to her Hedge witch daughter. Throughout the book we are given descriptions of the delicious foods as well as watching Kate make them for those she loves most. The back of the book also has a section for recipes and excerpts from Kate's spell book that we can try ourselves!

Add to that a very sweet closed door romance that will have you at baited breath waiting to see how our favorite couple make it through the darkest Samhain of their lives. I love these characters and just the absolute vibe of their world. This book is just one giant fall hug that always sets me right in the middle of my favorite season.

And we can never forget Kate's cat Merlin. He is by far the absolute best cat on the planet. We love him.

This should be on your October TBR list - it has witches, magic, mystery and evolves around Halloween time.

The book itself gives you a cozy feeling to start with. It lures you into the chaos of a coven, with unique magic (hello, a BOOK WITCH?!) and keeps you there until you realize you're in too deep to look back - and ironically just like the main character herself.

There's a lot of emotion in the later part of the book, and I can see where the Persephone and Hades story takes place; and though I am glad it's not another retelling, I do wish to see a short story of their time together after the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ride this book was. This 100% will be a reread for me next fall, and I strong recommend others to read it.

Enjoy the little things in life, y'know?

Thank you to Wallis Kinney and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title!

Hades X Persephone spooky witchy Halloween retelling? Family trauma and community secrets? Recipes included in the back of the book?

If any of this appeals to you as a reader, slam your credit card on the Halloween-bedecked counter because you'll love this book, just in time for the *actual* most wonderful time of the year! I had such a fun time with this book - I think it struck a great balance between witchy elements, a medium-ish build romance (with yearning!), intrigue, and a brush over all the fun and festive things I love about October and Halloween. I felt like I was sinking into a nice soft couch with two snacks and no fewer than four fun little drinks while reading this book, and it was a relief to just sink into this little world and enjoy the immaculate autumnal vibes.

Anyone who needs a little festive sweet treat while avoiding the Christmas decorations already overtaking the Costco should jump right into this delight of a spooky tale. Happy Publication week to Wallis, and can't wait to see what you write next!

I really enjoyed this book. There's secrets and mysteries! I found the characters to be enjoyable and I really liked the storyline. I think this is a perfect read for October/ Spooky season.

Thank you to NetGalley and alcove press for the gifted ebook.

If you’re a lover of all things fall and witchy; this book is literally made for you. It’s the coziest, feel good Fall book with some romance and spookiness sprinkled in.

A Dark and Secret Magic follows Hecate, a hedge witch, as she meets a man who is going to show her the dark side of her powers.

I couldn’t have loved this book anymore. If you’re a fan of fall and all the magic that comes with it, you’re going to adore this one.

I was utterly bewitched by this book! So many things about it stand out to me. There’s a strong sense of place. It feels very “October.” I like that it has a more natural or innate-ability witch aspect than a one that is more focused on spells. I LOVE the chemistry between Kate and Matthew. There’s a lot of mention of recipes, food, and cooking which is right up my alley. We learn about a few different kinds of witches in this world and I would love to read more about them in future books. (I hope there are more books).

One thing I found unbelievable is that Kate, a hedge witch, got to the age of 30 without somehow finding out that there’s more to being a hedge witch than she was led to believe. I would think that she would have done her own research (and have been encouraged to do to) rather than rely on just what her coven teaches her. But this didn’t stop me from loving the book and reading it any chance I could.

Hecate (Kate) Goodwin has curated the perfect life as a hedge witch, living in a secluded cottage in the Ipswich forest. She spends her days foraging herbs, gardening, and creating tinctures to sell at the apothecary she owns. Her evenings are spent with only a black cat for company, an arrangement she quite prefers. Kate’s solitude is thrown into disarray when her older sister, Miranda, reaches out and orders 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.

This book was ok. At times it almost felt like the story was just a basic romance novel and at the last minute a few witchy details were thrown in to make it a book about witches and magic. Overall, this seems more of a cozy fantasy read.

This might be my favorite fall read so far this year.
It has everything you could want: New England fall weather, fall festivities, a cozy warm cottage, hedge magic, a handsome mysterious shadow hexan *COUGHnecromancerCOUGH*, and a cute black cat.

As Kate reaches her 31st birthday and the containment ceremony that will bind her to perform only hedge magic, she’s dealing with hosting the Samhain celebration, the still-fresh grief of her late mother, and some serious coven secrets. But when, Matthew, her old crush from the rival coven, shows up on her doorstep claiming sanctuary, she’s bound by her craft to let him in.
(But he is so obviously hiding something.)

This book was the PERFECT book for October! The vibes were immaculate and made me want to curl up under a blanket and read the whole thing in one sitting. I loved that it was cozy witchy vibes and that there was a sweet romance in it as well. The whole book just brought the coziest vibes and I loved every minute of it!

Such a perfect cozy witchy read for Halloween! It’s Practical Magic meets Hades and Persephone in all the best ways. I absolutely loved Kate and Matthew’s bond and relationship and seeing Kate with her sisters come together despite their differences was so sweet and amazing. If you’re looking for a perfect Halloween/autumnal read look no further, curl up with a blanket, hot drink and sink into this lovely story!

Publishing 10/8/24

Thank you so much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! Wow wow wow! This is my favorite ARC that I’ve read so far. It combined everything I love: coziness, the nostalgic feeling of Halloween, magic, and romance. I loved the main character Hecate and all her quirkiness and her love for cooking. This book genuinely made me so hungry several times while reading - the hot chocolate ☕️, 🍝, 🫖, and pumpkin pancakes!

It combined Gilmore girls, practical magic, and any horror movies with the devil/witches. If you are looking for a spooky and fun book to read this Halloween - let it be this one. You won’t regret it.

4.5 ⭐
1 🌶️

A Dark and Secret Magic was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I consumed this book in one sitting. I was immediately drawn into the coziness of the atmosphere, but there was a chilling undertone that went along with it. The mysteriousness of the members of the coven's behavior and their disdain for another coven's members only added to the mystery. It was exciting to watch as the truth was slowly revealed to the FMC Kate. Even more enjoyable was the budding slow-burn relationship between Kate and Matthew was *chef's kiss*. This was spooky while remaining somewhat cozy (or that could have been because I enjoyed scenes of Kate cooking or using her hedge magic, and it made me feel cozy); nevertheless, it was a heck of a fun read. I don't know if we will get books about Kate's sisters, but even if we don't, this was good all by itself. It's perfect time to read it, too!

Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for the eArc. These opinions are mine.

This is absolutely the vibes needed for October. It’s magical and cozy with vibes that remind me of “Practical Magic”. I felt the last few chapters were anti-climactic but it was a good ending to a good book. I especially enjoyed all the food and recipes sprinkled throughout. I thought it was a fun way Hecate’s mother, a kitchen witch, was still incorporated during the story since she’s passed just before the events of the book take place.

In A Dark and Secret Magic, the reader is drawn into a world where witchcraft and mystery seamlessly blend with cozy, autumnal charm. Set against a backdrop that feels tailor-made for the fall season, this fantasy novel creates a perfect atmosphere for those who enjoy curling up with a book as the leaves turn golden. While the novel exudes a warm and comforting vibe, it doesn’t shy away from high-stakes drama, making it a compelling read for fans of both cozy and high-fantasy genres.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the intricate and detailed magic system. Unlike some witchy tales where magic is used primarily as a plot device, here it feels deeply embedded in the characters' lives, culture, and history. The novel presents magic not just as a tool, but as a vital aspect of identity—one that shapes the relationships and the tension within the coven and family structures. The witchcraft is portrayed with a richness that feels immersive, and the darker edges of magic add complexity and raise the stakes, making the narrative more than just a comfortable escape.

The characters are another standout feature, especially the main character and her love interest. Both are richly developed, with believable chemistry that unfolds organically throughout the story. Their relationship feels authentic, full of tenderness but also tinged with the tension that arises from the secrets and mysteries surrounding their families and the coven. The familial secrets add depth to the narrative, bringing intrigue and suspense that keeps the reader invested.

Beyond the romance and magic, the setting of A Dark and Secret Magic is brimming with fall charm. From the crisp autumn air to the festive gatherings and harvest elements, the novel effortlessly weaves in the beauty of the season, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. The setting serves as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right, providing an almost tangible sense of warmth and tradition, while still leaving room for the darker, more mysterious forces at play.

What makes this book truly engaging is how it balances these cozy elements with higher stakes. While the festive fall vibe and the romance could have led to a lighter, more whimsical story, the presence of darker magic grounds the plot, giving it weight and tension. The threat of this darker force not only amplifies the personal stakes for the characters but also raises the larger implications for the coven and their world.

In sum, A Dark and Secret Magic is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and witchy magic. It strikes a perfect balance between the cozy, fall aesthetic and the suspense of a story with real consequences. For readers who love detailed magic systems, richly drawn characters, and the perfect combination of cozy and high-stakes fantasy, this book is an enchanting read. It invites you to explore a world where magic is both a comfort and a danger, making it the ideal novel for the autumn season

To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Did I feel like SOME people were over here hiding things? Yes. Did I see all the twist coming? No. Am I IN LOVE with the ending?! 1000% yes. Between the cool magic concept while still being in a more modern setting I was obsessed. I loved Kate(I’m a little biased by the name I know😉) and Matthew?! GOOD LORD. This was such a good spooky magical read and was perfect for October. I ate this book up and cannot thank Netgalley and Alcove Press enough for letting me read this as an Arc!

This was an interesting read to me. The plot was different and had some really fun and clever ideas in it, the worldbuilding worked quite well for me. There were a couple of bits of magic that felt slightly like they belonged more in a children’s book, which surprised me, as the magic in general felt quite dark and ‘grown up’. But overall I really liked how witchcraft in this world worked and I liked how they worked alongside the wider plot. There were a lot of twists and turns in it that I didn’t see coming and I thought the ending was very exciting and everything resolved satisfactorily.

The romantic element of this book did work for me, too; it was quite sweet and I thought they had good chemistry. Matthew’s feelings in particular were very clear even though we never got his POV, so that worked for me. I will say that I thought this book felt like more of a fantasy than a full romance; I did think the plot was more heavily focused on the external plot than it was their relationship. I also thought the ending itself, focusing on their romance only, was a little blunt and I would have liked a bit more resolution.

But ultimately this was a solid fantasy romance with some really fun ideas in it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Death of a parent, blood, scenes of injury, violence, body horror, death, grief, sexual harassment.

Perfect book for spooky season!

This book is about Hecate Goodwin “Kate” who is a hedge witch. Hecate is part of the Atlantic Key coven. This book was both cozy and pulled me in! I wanted to know more about Hecate’s life and journey as a hedge-witch. I wanted to transport myself right into this book. If you’re looking for a cozy book about covens, black cats, and a little bit of 🌶️ this spooky season this is it.

Thank you NetGalley and Wallis Kinney for this ARC!