Deja Brew by Celestine Martin is a whimsical, second-chance romance novel that combines magic and love with a touch of culinary charm. It is a must-buy for fans of witchy rom-coms like Payback’s a Witch and The Ex Hex. The book creates an inviting, autumnal atmosphere with humor, heart, and delightful magical mishaps. Readers will enjoy this lighthearted, fun read filled with enchantment, featuring a time loop that repeats the month of October. Celestine has really outdone herself with this one.

Tropes:
-Friends to Lovers
-Witchy Romance
-Second Chance
-Time loop
-Elemental Love #3

Thank you so much to foreverpub and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!! I absolutely love this trilogy!! Deja brew was such a great book 3! I really loved both our main characters Sirena and Gus. I related to both of them!! I loved the growth of both our main characters and how the plot developed! I loved the hint of magic that is a constant throughout each of the books. I really enjoyed the ending!!

This was such a feel good book! Something you can cozy up to next month when it comes out!! So grab a cuppa and pick this up on October 1.

A cozy, fall read. I loved the representation of FMC Sirens, having a bigger, curvier body. The family dynamic was a tight knit family who leans on and supports one another when needed. Our MMC Gus, was intelligent and such a sweetheart. There were a few family members I was not a fan of, Gus’s mother, but seems pretty representative of real life and the other supporting characters made up for it. I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Sirena and Gus until we got closer to the end when things felt weird/off between them, it didn’t really make sense to me and I didn’t feel like there was much of an explanation of the ‘why’ it was like that; felt like a random obstacle kind of thrown in the way before the conclusion of the book. Thank you @netgalley for the eARC! 🍁🍂✨🧙🎃
#fallreads #netgalley #halloweenreads #witchyreads

The Vibes: cozy autumn, a bit of celebrity, Groundhog Day

Heat Index: 5/10

The Basics:

Former celebrity chef Sirena (with magic) makes a wish for a "fix my life" do-over. Waking up, she finds that she's gotten it—and it gives her a chance to really get to know Gus, a reality star (with magic) who harbors feelings for her. The question is, will they be able to get it right this time?

The Review:

Okay, first off I want to say that if you love COZY and you love AUTUMN and light witchiness (this has been compared to The Ex Hex, and I can see why), this will probably be for you. I love autumn, and I enjoy light witchiness. Where it kinda lost me was the cozy. Obviously, I expected some cozy based on the premise. This? Is a lot of cozy.

The good news: This is very on trend and again, a lot of y'all will love it.

Celestine Martin has a real way with words, and I loved the descriptions here. Literally felt like fall leaves in a cup (or a book, I guess). The atmosphere is fabulous, the food descriptions are great, it's FALL FALL FALL.

Where I feel her writing could use some tweaking is in the dialogue. You spend a lot of time in the characters' heads, which felt like a space she approached confidently. It's not that the dialogue was bad. It just wasn't as good as the rest of the prose, and it did read a little young for the characters' ages and experience. (In general, I felt like Gus was a little too cautious about sharing his feelings with Sirena for, again, his age and experience. They're not babes in the woods, and I like that! I'd love to see it reflected more in the writing.)

And... I think where the book inched further away from four stars was in the pacing. If you enjoy a slow burn? You'll probably like this, again. I don't jump for a slow burn, but I can definitely enjoy it if done well. A slow burn does not inherently mean bad pacing. (And a slow-paced book can also be great!)

This is very slowly paced. It felt like, after a certain point, I was reading pure vibes. Which! Again! Will work for a lot of people. Ultimately, I felt like this could've used some chopping in the editing. We don't need all of this. In some ways, this may have worked better as a novella?

The Sex:

I found the descriptions of sex in this book... interesting. Again, this was a slow burn, and I personally didn't feel a ton of sexual tension beforehand (though there was emotional tension). Interesting doesn't mean bad here. But the descriptions are some of the more flowery ones I've read in a book set in a more contemporary world. It read a bit like what I would've seen in older contemporaries, or even older historicals. Again, not bad. Just unexpected, I suppose?

This will be someone's perfect fall novel, and I do love that it's a Black romance with some magic. God knows we need more of that representation in paranormal romance. But, it wasn't quite for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 ☆
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If you're wanting a cozy, fall, witchy vibe with a dash of romance, this book is for you! Deja Brew is book three in the Elemental Love series and can be read as a standalone, which is a major plus. Now, I didn't rate this one as high because I felt like the other two in the series had a Disney retelling theme or vibe, and this book didn't have that. This is definitely a slow-paced, slow-burn romance.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Slow-Burn
•Black Romance
•Cozy | Fall Vibes
•Witchy Romance
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Oct.1
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eBook on exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this book. The concept is adorable, and while I haven't read the first two books, I felt like there was enough in the beginning to catch me up on what was happening.

But I just couldn't connect with this book. I DNF'ed around 30%. It was just so much writing for so little happening. Every thing felt over explained or described. The characters were cute, but surface level. The banter was ok, but felt juvenile for what the characters ages are suppose to be.

It could be a me thing, but I just can't do it anymore.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and the author for a copy of this ARC.

3.5 stars

Deja Brew is a great read for the fall/winter seasons and has all of the cozy vibes. I loved that Sirena is a kitchen witch and it got me excited to eat all of the yummy fall foods. I thought the time travel aspect was cool & different - Sirena makes a wish for a second chance and ends up redoing the entire month of October. She also gets another chance to spend more time with Gus, a former famous magician and ex party boy turned steward of a historical society.

While I thought the romance between Sirena and Gus was cute, I didn’t really feel any strong connection to them. I feel like the magical small town/seasonal setting was the best part of this. Regardless, if you’re looking for a cozy read with a little spice you should give it a go!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Deja Brew by Celestine Martin.

At the beginning of the story, it’s one thing after another of things not going right for Sirena. When time reverts back to the beginning of the month, Sirena has an opportunity to relive it. Gus, who is a magician and healing from a divorce, has feelings for Sirena. Through the time loop, Sirena and Gus end up working together in closer proximity.

The real highlight of this book is the couple. Sirena and Gus are absolutely adorable. I really enjoy a romance where one or both characters don’t think they’re able to commit to anything serious but they can’t help being drawn to each other. Gus is a top tier book boyfriend, with so much support and belief in Sirena.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable fall witchy romance, this is a book to check out.

I looove my time in Freya Grove with the Caraways! I also read Witchful Thinking and Kiss and Spell so I couldn't wait for the this book but you absolutely can read this one on its own, I have to admit I think this one might be my favorite!!

Sirena and Gus are amazing and I just loved them! They're so relatable as middle children finding themselves and they have the best energy! I'm a sucker for childhood/second chance love so I ate this right up. Their chemistry and banter is EVERYTHING! There is a ton of character development and these two are sooooo sweet together and then we have the witchy, slow burn, fantasy, magical elements and it was ALL I wanted!

Celestine has dazzled us again with her world building, phenomenal writing and a perfect cozy autumn read!

Deju Brew is such a feel good, witchy romance that had me ready to grab a comfy blanket and settle in to enjoy. Sirena is a kitchen witch who can't connect with her magic and starts to doubt herself. . . Which I can 100% relate to. I felt that Celestine Martin did a really good job resenting those feelings authentically and respectfully. Gus is so sweet and I instantly fell in love with his sweet and sensitive heart ❤️ Their love story was a fun strangers to lovers with forced proximity and it is a perfect romance for fall 🍁🎃

Thank you Forever, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

I DNF’d at 33% because I just couldn’t continue anymore. I rarely quit a book but I felt like I was reading the conversation between two school age children. The banter was shallow and juvenile. I did not read the previous 2 books in this series and I’m not sure if that made any difference because i didn’t feel like I was missing much. The author did a great job with filling in the backstory of certain subjects.

A sloth outran the pace of this slow burn. At 33% it legit was going no where. I really couldn’t care less about how this was going to end. I had to stop when they went to get ice cream and they were “playing a game” and she wouldn’t talk until he bought her a root beer. What are they 9? That was my final eye roll.

Thank you Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review

Thank you for my early copy of Deja Brew. I enjoyed this magical story about two people who fall in love with a little bit of magic. It was such a sweet story. I enjoyed seeing these two explore, learn about each other, and fall in love.

This book felt like the perfect fall day in all the best ways! I loved how Gus and Sirena grew both together and as people on their own journeys. Not to mention this book had my two favorite kinds of spice: pumpkin spice and toe-curling spice!

I can’t wait to read the other books in this series!!

3.5 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Forever pub for this arc!

Sirena is a kitchen witch who is down on her luck. She makes a wish to re- do October and wakes up on what should be November 1st to find it’s October 1st again.

She and Gus navigate their magic and connection with their repeated October. I wanted Sirena to recognize their love sooner! But it’s a little magical and has bewitching fall events.

What a PERFECT book for the fall. And I mean- PERFECT. This book is the coziest, cutest, most aesthetic autumnal romance I have EVER read and even though it's still summer as I write this, this book made me LONG for farmer's markets and apple cider and seeing pumpkins on front porches. If you live/love/pumpkin spice latte ADORE autumn like I do, then this book will be a special treat that you will likely want to revisit every year when the weather grows gloomy and you switch out your flip-flops and bathing suits for boots and sweaters. I cannot adequately convey how much this book felt like a warm hug just from the lush autumnal aesthetic alone....

But, guess what? That's not all.

Background: I have read all of Celestine Martin's books to date (I'm a Black, New Jersey native who also loves magical romance as much as she does so her books just scratch a much needed ). However, Deja Brew is absolutely my favorite to date in the series. There's something about Sirena and August that just does it for me. Their love story is SO realistic for two middle children struggling with their identities while also wanting to find true love. I adored the character arcs for both of them and thought the character development was realistic and well executed. I loved seeing these characters learn to trust themselves, their community, and their gifts. The love story was also very swoonworthy. It was clear how much these characters enjoyed spending time together and the backdrop of golden leaves, fall ice cream flavors that had my mouth watering, and cute autumnal dates just made it even better. Additionally, it was nice seeing the other characters from past series in this book! Honestly, I found them even more lovable in this novel!

I don't want to give a spoilery review so I won't give specifics but- I was VERY pleased with the sexy scenes in this novel which is surprising because I am a chronic "skipper over" of all sexy scenes. I loved the romantic scenes because they offered surprises. There were unexpected moments that kept me hooked and each of these moments were infused with love and intentionality that I'd like to see in more romances. The magical components of the novel offered some (ahem) quite pleasing sexy moments as well. Very well done!

BOOKTOK and BOOKTUBE and BOOKSTAGRAM. PUT THIS BOOK ON YOUR FALL LISTS! We need more Black Love cute sexy fall stories.

3.75 ⭐
1.5 🌶️
Tropes- Slow burn, mutual pining


Deja Brew is a whimsical, cozy romance perfect for kicking off your fall reading.


It has been a disastrous October for Sirena Caraway. November is just around the corner but all the former celeb chef wants is a second chance to get her life- and cooking skills- on track. She makes her wish and when she wakes up the next day, Sirena discovers the clock has turned back to Oct 1st, giving her the chance to redo all her mistakes.


After a run in with former reality star turned town historian Gus Dearworth, determined to make the most of this opportunity, Sirena enlists his help to get her cooking powers back.


Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for fall reading. I thought the supernatural world building was really interesting, especially since I haven’t read a book with a magician in it. I loved the cozy fall vibes and how neither MC’s have a “perfect” body. (Especially Gus!! We need more stories where the guy has a regular body)


That said, I felt like the beginning of the book lacked cohesion. I often felt confused as to how their relationship progressed and at times changes seemed to come out of left field. It took me until about 25% in until I felt like I could consistently follow what was going on.


I also have mixed feelings on how the book transitioned from October to November. Part of me thinks it should’ve ended on Nov 1, and dragged a little bit, but the “build up” of her reliving Oct was well done and needed something else to finish the story so it didn’t stop abruptly.


Finally, and I guess this is a pet peeve of mine- I disliked the need to continue to point out that Sirena was “curvy”. I appreciate plus size rep but so many authors turn it into a trope and that just makes it insulting and othering. Honestly I usually avoid reading books with a curvy FMC because of that. IMO It’s one thing to explain the FMCs body type during the character development at the beginning but further pointing it out makes it a thing. Can we just talk about hips without them being skinny or generous? Or bodies without them being slender or plump? If you have to keep pointing out that the FMC is not the “standard”, is it really that supportive and inclusive?

Thank you to netgalley for my copy of this one!

This was the perfect cozy romance to start off the autumn season for me! I did not read the other two books in this “series” prior, but I also didn’t feel like I missed anything by not reading them. I enjoyed the vibes and the romance overall, but the plot was a bit slow moving, which is why I didn’t rate the books any higher.

Let me begin by saying that I also read witchful thinking and kiss and spell, so when I saw there was a 3rd book in Freya Grove focused on Sirena in October, I knew I had to check it out and I was not disappointed. Like the other two before this one, the slow burn and character development is chefs kiss. This one quite literally is kitchen witch magic. It was cozy, but kept me sucked in. I hope there's more storytelling from Freya Grove!

Small town magic. Childhood friends.
These two are both on an internal journey.
I enjoyed the overall story but there were some big issues with editing.

This is an amazing quick and cozy read for fall! The setting is so perfect for October. I had trouble connecting with the characters, I felt like the setting and atmosphere were the stars and the character development took a backseat. I'm not sure this one was for me, but I know it's going to do well this fall!