3.5 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of Wooing the Witch Queen in exchange of my honest opinion.

At first glance I thought I was getting into fantasy romance, but I was actually pleasantly surprised that this is almost a cozy fantasy. Thankfully there is no huge battles and world end situations. It's about a bisexual queen with magic powers and a fearsome reputation, and a librarian "dark" wizard (that doesn't have anything dark ahahah).
This wizard is in fact an archduke that is disguised as a librarian in order to look for a safe haven (but the queen believes he is her enemy).
Of course, they slowly but surely develop feelings for each other.
I really loved that we have a nerdy and cute MMC instead of the usual dark and broody, which matches the somewhat low stakes of the story. Although the romance was well plotted, I thought the political plot had some pacing issues that converged in quite a bit overly fast conclusion.

This book took me awhile to get into. It was a fun quick read once I actually got started, but I would’ve liked a bit more depth in both the plot and the characters. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator does a nice job. This romantasy wasn’t particularly for me, but I still think it’s worth the read if you like a fun slow burn romantasy with sweet characters. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Plot: 2/5
There was not a central plot for this story. It reads kinda like a slice-of-life genre, talking about the day to day of the characters.
Character: 2/5
I adore the non-human characters. The other characters? Not so much. Out of everyone, Felix was the most interesting but I feel like we didn’t get to know him enough.
Writing/pacing: 3.5/5
At least the writing and pacing in this story did not feel slow and dragged out. Since there was not much to tell, I was surprised to see I was still somehow engaged.
Enjoyment: 3/5
It was enjoyable at first but Saski really ruined it for me in the end. I don’t know how she just got more and more nerve grating and insufferable.
Additional Perspective: 2/5
This category could easily be 4/5 since I love the dynamic of Saski and Felix in this story. Traditionally, we always see feral and possessive mmc in fantasy but this offers a new lens, fmc is the powerful, in charge and possessive one. It was until I realized that I didn’t like a single female side character in the story. I’m kinda sick of female side characters being portrayed negatively - jealous, catty, annoying. That’s my biggest book ick so I had to knock the rating down.
Overall: 2.5/5 stars

I keep falling for the romantasy trap because of gimmicky tropes, and I only have myself to blame.  Plus, the library on the cover totally lured me in for this one. Wooing the Witch Queen kicks off the Queens of Villainy series of interconnected romantasies, with each book focusing on a different couple.   Saskia and "Fabian,” whose real name comes up in the book, so I won’t spoil it, make up the first couple for the series.  I wasn't drawn to this book for one reason or another, so my expectations were neither high nor low.  I didn’t find the book to be remarkable one way or the other in the end, but I know it could be pretty popular with fans of the mainstream romantasy genre.

I fall easily for marketing strategies involving library settings in books.  They always give an immersive and pleasantly cozy atmosphere to really curl up and daydream in.  I loved the main character's personality and interactions with the other characters, and though I strictly avoid picking up a book only because of tropes, I do occasionally appreciate a good cinnamon roll of a leading man.  Some of the circumstances surrounding his relationship with his family and how he got out of one place and to another provided little to no explanation.   I don't expect too much world building and logic in a romantasy, but the magical mechanics were completely absent and glaringly convenient.  Nevertheless, once the matter of figuring out how to get this character from one place to another worked itself out, the story plugged along well enough.

Saskia, the inaugural Queen of Villainy, sports a bristly nature, which I know is purposeful, but it don't find the extent of her cantankerousness appealing.  Onions have layers and all that, but she seems to reserve kindness only for certain underlings and not any of her equals.  The dynamic confused me a bit—it felt like an inverse of elitism, almost as if Saskia was okay with other people as long as they don't challenge or threaten her authority.  After learning Fabian’s true identity, she demonstrates a hard time coming to terms with things until he obstensibly ingratiates himself and gravels to a nauseating extent. There's a huge difference between humble kindness and simpering sycophancy, and Fabian feels more like the latter instead of the former, which I don't find particularly romantic.

In the end, the book wasn't long, it didn't require a mental load to process, and I'm sure it will entice crowds of mainstream romantasy fans. I need a bit more substance in my books, no matter the genre. I didn't get much here and may not continue the series. I'm not really the target audience.

I got to experience this book as an ALC, and I found the narration pleasant. It helped with the experience of the story as a whole. I listen to quite a few audiobooks every year, and the narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb, performs well with both tone and enunciation.  I easily finished the book at over 2x speed because I had no difficulty whatsoever hearing or understanding anything.

Overall, 5 stars wholeheartedly for the narration.  Unfortunately, the book didn't wow me and I can't give more than 2.5-3 stars. I don’t fall into the grouping for the target audience really, though readers who typically devour any and all romantasy they can get their hands on may love it anyway.

My thanks to Bramble via Macmillan Audio for the ALC, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.

When SHE said “Who did this to you?!” I knew this was going to be a new favorite Romantasy. I love how the typical Romantasy tropes were flipped in this story.

The witch queen with an evil reputation and her mysterious dark wizard librarian were top tier characters. I loved the slow burn romance!! I liked that we got lots of yearning until those two got together. I also loved the side characters such as the troll housekeeper and the crow familiar. The found family aspect was so sweet.

I loved how atmospheric and fun the world we were introduced to was. The different magical systems and politics were very interesting. I do think some of the story was predictable but it was still a fun journey to read.

I listened to this on audio and I highly recommend the audiobook! The narrators really enveloped the characters and did a great job at bringing them to life.

Overall this was an absolute delight!

4 Stars
This was such a cozy romantasy read with satisfying MCs (Saskia was such a refreshing FMC to follow, especially in a fantasy read and I need me a Fabian, AKA Felix please lol). I loved the found family vibes and cast of characters in this, especially the alliance/friendship between the 3 queens (and the crows!). I listened to this in audiobook format and enjoyed the narration - I had a lot of fun in this world, of course the library setting was my favorite (and I will definitely continue the series especially after that excerpt we got at the end)!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

This book was a romantic fantasy that honestly felt so cozy despite all the political intrigue. The world building was fun, and the cast of characters were all unique. I felt like the romance between the two main characters was well done within the cozy setting, and I couldn’t resist the golden retriever MMC.

The great part about this book, is despite the coziness, the main characters had a fully developed back story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my gosh I adored this book!! The cozy fantasy vibes and the banter were fantastic. I fell hard for our cinnamon roll librarian. I loved how nerdy both main characters were. Their mutual love for knowledge made it really easy to see why they were such a good fit for each other. I also loved how funny this book was. It didn't take itself too seriously and I really enjoyed watching them tease each other. My absolutely favorite part was how loyal they both were. Seeing two characters who had been cast aside and reviled by others finding a person who is going to be firmly in their corner was absolutely adorable. I'm so excited to see more from this author because I love their writing style!

The production company went with a single narrator even though the book was dual pov which I found to be a strange choice. I enjoyed their performance but I would have really loved each character to have their own narrator. As it was, I had a good time with this story and I'm very excited to hear more about the side characters in this world.

A fierce sorceress and a sweet “librarian”star in this sweet and spicy romantasy. Wooing the Witch Queen is perfect for readers who enjoy cozier fantasy settings, but want the tension to be a little higher.

This was such a heartwarming book and just so much fun!

The narration was very engaging and easy to follow. Amanda Leigh Cobb effortlessly swapped between characters and really leaned into the clever, wry tone of the story.

My rating: 4.25⭐️

I absolutely loved this book! The storyline was intriguing and I loved the characters. I feel the book could’ve been much longer with more detail on the main characters back stories. I absolutely need to hear more about Felix’s magic and overall the magic system at large in the universe. Looking forward for sequels!!

Wooing the Witch Queen is a cozy fantasy following an archduke in disguise and a witch queen, with delightful side characters/creatures. I truly enjoyed every second of this book and finished it in less than 24 hours. While it is the beginning of a series, the conflict is resolved and sets up book 2 with enough intrigue as to who the next two main characters will be.

Narration performed by Amanda Leigh Cobb was outstanding as always.

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gives very "Assistant to the Villain" vibes in the best way. This book was a very cozy romantasy that is perfect for mood readers that want some type of fantasy, but also want a cozy story with a hint of romance.

Ever since his wife's death, Imperial Archduke Felix has feared his overbearing and power-hungry father-in-law has been plotting his death. Felix flees to his neighboring kingdom, ruled by the wicked witch queen Saskia, hoping to use himself as a bartering chip for his own safety. But when a misunderstanding leads to Felix accepting a job as Saskia's new dark wizard librarian, he finds he'll have to keep his identity a secret, all while falling for his new boss.

With a title like 'Wooing the Witch Queen,' I was honestly expecting this one to be extra spicy and maybe a little corny. But it turned out to be a fun, emotional rom com with a little bit of spice, and I absolutely loved it, especially the banter between Felix and Saskia.

I listened to this one on audio and overall enjoyed the narration. My only complaint was the narrator's inflection sometimes felt a bit too sing-songy, which got a bit annoying at times.

Read if you like:
Dual-POV
Open door
Who did this to you
Secret identity
Hidden magic
Enemies to lovers

Ohh this was fantastic and I loved every moment!! The villainous Witch Queen with a heart of gold, the adorable found family of misfits, and our cinnamon roll Archduke. All the “touch him and be unalived” moments had me so giddy 😂. Full review to follow. Thanks to the publisher for the ALC. I am feral for the sequel already 👀.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher.
Okay, so I just finished listening to Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis on audiobook, and I’ve got to say—it was an amazing experience. The story itself is fantastic, but let me start by giving major props to the narrator. The female voice actor brought the Witch Queen to life in such a powerful way. Her voice was commanding yet vulnerable when it needed to be, and it made every moment feel personal. The transitions between characters were seamless, and the pacing of her delivery was spot-on. It really felt like she was the Witch Queen, and honestly, her performance kept me glued to the story.

As for the book itself, it was a total vibe. The Witch Queen is a complex, deeply layered character—strong, guarded, and so refreshingly real. She’s not looking for love, and she makes that very clear. Then there’s him, the rogue who’s determined to win her over. Their dynamic is full of tension, sharp banter, and these subtle moments of vulnerability that hit you right in the feels. It’s definitely a slow burn, but the kind that makes every little interaction between them feel like fireworks. And hearing it all in the narrator’s voice just made it flow so naturally.

The world-building was another standout for me. The magic system was intricate, and the lore of the Witch Queen’s kingdom was so rich—it felt like I was stepping into a whole other realm. There’s this political tension layered with deep magical traditions, and it added so much depth to the story. The narrator’s tone made even the quieter moments feel charged, like there was always something bigger brewing under the surface.

If I had one tiny critique, it’s that the pacing dipped a little in the middle, but the narrator’s performance kept it engaging even then. And when the story picked up again, wow—what a ride. The ending packed such an emotional punch that I actually found myself rewinding to relive certain scenes.

All in all, Wooing the Witch Queen is a beautifully crafted fantasy romance that feels even more alive thanks to the fluid, captivating narration. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes you look forward to every commute, every chore—just so you can dive back into the story. Five stars for the book and the performance. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, magical intrigue, and strong characters, don’t sleep on this one!"

One of my fav golden retriever X black cat books💖💖

This was such a fun read. The fmc is a sassy total baddie and a witch! And the mmc is a power man who is posing as a wizard the help the queen. The mmc’s kingdom is corrupted and found a way to escape. Thus being at the enemies palace, the queen witch.

The slow burn was delightful and cute and I couldn’t get enough of. And the plot was very interesting as well.

Queen Saskia, one of the Queens of Villainy, is feared by many, but few know her true character. She took her throne from her evil uncle and in the process, gained quite the negative and fearsome reputation for herself. In reality, her goal is solely to keep her people safe from the evil neighboring empire. One day, as Saskia is busily working in her laboratory, experimenting with spells to help with her kingdom's defense, a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle unannounced. Saskia hires the wizard, Fabian, to be her new librarian. He seems kind and capable enough. Little does Saskia know, Fabian is harboring secrets of his own...

This is a cozy fantasy romance but not so cozy that it's lacking plot entirely. The stakes are lowish, but not nonexistent. Fabian serves kind of the 'gentle hero' role in he and Saskia's relationship, letting her take the lead (in and out of the bedroom). Saskia herself is strong, independent, intelligent, and has the best pets (seriously, I'm emotionally attached to the crows). I also really enjoyed the relationships between the Queens of Villainy as a group, which makes me excited to follow their stories as the series progresses.

As far as the narration goes, I'd say it's quite perfect. Engaging, easy to follow, and not grating or difficult to listen to, in any way.

This is my first Stephanie Burgis novel and oh, I'm hooked now. What a fun world she's created- I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC copy in exchange for an honest review!

I had a lot of fun with this. I really liked that it was Felix who was running away from bad situation and sought out her strength and protection, as this flips the script on typical execution of tropes. I also really enjoyed the causal queerness of the world. This was a lot of fun and had some really interesting world building, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. The narration was really good and did a good job of giving each character a distinct voice.

My only criticism of this book is I wish there was more of everything. More interactions between the characters, more magic,and more story in general. It is a book one so I look forward to seeing the story continue.

I love the queer representations. Bisexual queen? Hell yeah! I also love that she decided not to change herself to fit in. Very hot alt girl of her in my opinion. And she got her golden retriever man? Perfection.

I got an audio arc for this book. The narrators voice felt very fitting for the female lead, however there were times where the voices for our two leads kind of blended and made it hard to decipher who was talking/thinking.

I absolutely inhaled this fantasy romance featuring an "evil queen" and the ruler (in disguise!) of a neighboring land.

Felix is the Archduke of Estarion, and he's such a little sweetheart! Also he's been terribly abused by his regent/father-in-law, kept away from the actual governance of his land, and since his wife's death, at danger of being assassinated really any day. So he runs to Kitvaria to throw himself at the feet of its ruling witch queen only to be confused for the dark wizard she advertised for. Although he planned to come clean about his identity, he realizes that his reputation as the Archduke is pretty terrible, so he figures he'll lie low and catalogue her library for her...

If you love romance and you like fantasy, this is the book for you. I'm differentiating it from romantasy because the fantasy elements are set dressing for the romance: this is a false identity romance with a little magic on the side. It also includes two of my favorite character types: the intellectual cinnamon roll MC and the "unlikable" FMC. (She's really not all that unlikable but everyone thinks she is.) Like I said, I loved it.

This might be a great book for romantasy readers who want to try out a more romancey book, or for historical romance readers who find fantasy world building to be a little much. It's steamy but on the lower heat side (part of the reason I could pick up the audio later!).

**I loved this book so much that I picked up the audio to listen! Narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb did a great job bringing the characters to life. She is appropriately entertaining, taking the story as seriously as it's supposed to be taken. If you're an audio reader, I can definitely recommend it.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.