Meh. I really should have known this wasn't going to work for me, but I was excited about sapphic cozy fantasy so I requested it anyway. It's cute though and I'm sure lots of people will like it more than I did.

This story was absolutely charming and sweet and cozy and I loved every minute. The characters and their growth with having to work together when that’s the last thing they want to do was so fun to read about. Also, the cover is gorgeous!

This is the epitome of cozy fantasy. Just the right amount of magical and full of love, it's a fantastic queer romance with a potion shop and a mystery at it's heart. It is all kinds of fantastic.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Brewed with Love” by Shelly Page is a charming and heartwarming YA second-chance romance that combines magical intrigue with a sweet, bewitching love story. Set in a cozy, enchanting small town filled with potion shops and witchcraft, this book follows the rekindling of a teenage romance between Sage Bishop, a determined plant witch, and her ex-best friend and first crush, Ximena Reyes while trying to solve a mystery involving a stolen brew.

The story begins with a break-in at Bishop Brews, the family apothecary that Sage is determined to run one day. This incident sets the stage for an engaging investigation that draws Sage and Ximena back together, forcing them to confront their past and the lingering feelings that never quite went away. As they work side by side to solve the mystery, sparks fly, and the magic of their connection slowly rekindles.

Page does an excellent job of creating a cozy, atmospheric setting that draws you into the world of Sage and Ximena. The small-town charm, with its magical shops and tight-knit community, adds a layer of warmth to the story that makes it a perfect comfort read. I wanted to live in the small town with the everyday magic that makes life in this town feel so bright and soothing. The inclusion of tonic recipes and investigation notes scattered throughout the book further immerses you in this delightful world, adding to the story's unique and whimsical feel.

Sage is a relatable and endearing protagonist, whose love for her family’s apothecary and dedication to her craft is evident from the start. Her struggle to keep the business afloat, especially against a growing competitor, is something that some readers may find relatable, especially those involved in small business. Meanwhile, Ximena is an intriguing character who brings an element of unpredictability to the story. Her dreams of leaving the small town behind contrast sharply with Sage’s desire to stay rooted, creating tension and complexity in their relationship as it makes you wonder how exactly they can work together both in solving the mystery as well as a couple.

The chemistry between Sage and Ximena is very well-written with their flirting and bantering adding a fun, light-hearted element to the story. They felt like such a real couple, and reading about them navigate their unresolved feelings and growing closer is a joy. I did wish for a bit more open communication from Ximena as it’s one of my pet peeves where someone is deliberately holding out the truth even when trying to rekindle a friendship/relationship. While the story is told from Sage’s perspective, I wanted more of Ximena's point of view to fully understand her motivations and emotions.

The mystery surrounding the break-in and the stolen tonic is well-paced, though it does come with a few too many suspects and subplots, making it a bit difficult to keep track of everything at times. However, the resolution is satisfying, with all the loose ends tied up nicely in a sweet and heartfelt conclusion. The werewolf angle is a surprising but welcome addition to the story, adding an unexpected twist that makes “Brewed with Love” stand out in the crowded field of YA romance. In a book centered solely around witches and magic, I wasn’t really expecting werewolves, and I wanted more development on that angle. While the ending wrapped everything up perfectly, I would love to read more about the world of small town magic shown in this book.

Overall, “Brewed with Love” is a delightful read for anyone looking for a sweet, magical romance with a touch of mystery as well. Shelly Page has crafted a cozy, enchanting world that will leave you smiling and rooting for Sage and Ximena as they navigate the challenges of love and magic. Whether you're drawn in by the intriguing investigation, the charming setting, or the tender romance, “Brewed with Love” is sure to leave you enchanted.

I'll preface this review by saying that I am the author. Writing this was the best time and reading it was even better. If you like sweet second chance romances and cozy mysteries, this book is for you. The main character, in attempting to save her family store from being shut down, partners with her first crush turned coworker. Their investigation into the store's break-in results in the girls growing close again, and Sage learning to step outside her comfort zone. The book tackles themes of queerness, the importance of community, of protecting small businesses, and even resilience in the face of adversity. It's perfect for teens and adults who like their romance with a side of mystery.

Shelly Page advertises Brewed with Love as a cozy, sapphic romantasy, and this novel is that and so much more! An adorable YA romp, Brewed with Love is a warm hug, or perhaps a glowing tonic, with a mystery plot that flowed naturally. I couldn't help but study the hints provided myself, constantly wondering what was a red herring and what was important. While you're in the weeds trying to figure out who broke into Bishop Brews and why, you start to pick up signals about something else that is awry with Ximena herself. All of the characters are hard not to love, but in particular, Sage and Ximena make a delightful pair. The way this story handled identity and fitting in was done sweetly, and I found myself deeply enjoying the relationships between even minor side characters.

Page's writing style is fun and quick. I found myself reading faster than normal, and scenes moved quickly enough that it kept me invested and in the moment. I loved the little moments that demonstrated various characters' magic, including mundane actions like growing some flowers to use as decoration. It built out the world and aesthetic gorgeously and left me wishing I could watch the scenes taking place because I just know they'd be perfect! Brewed with Love is an ideal read for a sapphic teen who wants an escape, but I could see this book appealing to just about anyone. There's love, comfort, suspense, action, mystery, and more!

Overall, Brewed with Love serves up the exact tonic it hoped to produce. If you're looking for a fun, comforting, sapphic read, I would highly recommend. Thank you so much to Page and her team for the ARC - I am so grateful and loved it!

YA magical romance with a little mystery sprinkled in. A bit of a found family feel as well, although biological family ties were also strong.

Sage and Ximena are ex-best friends but are thrown together to solve the mystery of who stole from the store where they work and put a spell on a friend of theirs.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Brewed With Love to come out January, 14, 2025.

Brewed With Love is such a sweet YA second chance romance. It follows Sage and Ximena as they investigate a break in at Sage's family apothecary. However, spending all that time together investigating forces them to confront their past, and the lingering feelings that never quite left.

I really liked this one, not only was it super cute watching Sage and Ximena fall for each other all over again, but the investigation itself had me intrigued and wondering who was responsible. Overall, if you're in the mood for a sweet wholesome love story set in a fun world, I highly recommend giving this one a try, 4.7/5 stars.

This was a really cute sapphic YA witchy read! My only complain is Ximena's reason for leaving was easy to guess, I've seen that exact reasoning in a different book. I just feel it was hinted at a little too much. I really liked their relationship though, it gave second-chance vibes.

What a lovely, heartwarming story! Brewed With Love is a delightfully cozy fantasy mystery about a 17-year-old witch trying to solve a robbery, fight big business, and heal her broken heart. The second chance sapphic romance was so sweet that I now have cavities, and the final love tonic recipe inexplicably made me cry. I now have an urge to add honey to everything.