This is my first book by Stephanie Burgis and I was pleasantly surprised. This book sucked me in a lot faster than I expected. But what's not to love about an MMC that is a cinnamon roll librarian?? Saskia, the FMC, is fantastic. I loved everything about her. She the queen and she'll protect her land but that's not her passion in life. She's an academic, just like Felix, and I respect that. Considering this is the first book in a series, the world building is superb. It was already very full and cohesive. I can't wait to read the next books!!

ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This was such an entertaining story!! I loved our MCs, but even the side characters were full of personality. A very cozy fantasy w/ just the right amount of tension. The world building was semi minimal- I did like the plot? But it wasn’t like, out of this world lol. It was def a fun 🎧 through though & I’m excited to see how to next book develops. I love that we’re moving onto a different character- Esp since the three Queens of Villainy were so fun together.

I love these characters and their found family so much. Bisexual queen and her dark wizard librarian is an absolute must for a cozy fantasy! I highly recommend if you just need a cozy fantasy in your life.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this book. I did happen to listen to this book while still in a reading slump so again I don’t think my rating fully shows how much I actually enjoyed it. It also doesn’t help that I do not expect the story to be so cozy and so I think that kind of threw me off too even though I love cozy fantasy. in the story, we basically have hidden identity on accident. We have Felix, who is fleeing his abusive family, and then comes into the witch queen‘s castle and accidentally gets mistaken as a black wizard. He decides to go with this and to see what happens. We also get to meet our witch queen and find out that she really just wants to be able to work on spells and not be bothered by all the politics that she has to take care of. I will say this is very much a slow burn and I think it was like 70% until we got something. This book also with spiciness is not that high. We get told a lot of things but we don’t see a lot of things. Like most romance series you definitely know who the next couple is going to be and I’m assuming this is going to be a trilogy where we focus on the three witch queens.
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Wooing the Witch Queen is a unique blend of magic, romance, and just the right sprinkle of chaos. The story’s got that cutesy charm with playful banter and heartwarming moments that’ll make you grin like an idiot. It wraps you in a cozy world full of enchanting vibes and quirky characters, perfect for curling up with on a lazy day. Honestly, it’s just plain fun—the kind of read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still keeps you hooked. If you’re into magical mischief and sweet slow-burn romance, this one’s got your name written all over it.

Wooing the Witch Queen was a satisfying quick read that I really enjoyed. Burgis writes loveable characters who grow and shine throughout the story, she weaves a world that is vibrant and diverse. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

A delight! This was such a fun listen and has me chomping at the bit for the next installment. This is fairly low stakes fantasy, leaning into cozy. It features some great tropes - found family, "who did this to you" (with a role-reversal!), villain gets the girl (0r in this case guy), and more. The MMC is an adorable cinnamon roll who is pretty much head over heels for our scary witch queen. There is an intriguing plot that looks like it will carry through the trilogy which looks like it will feature our two other scary queens! I am highly anticipating the next book in this delightful new series.
P.S. audiobook featured great narration by Amanda Leigh Cobb, though I would love to see a dual narration for the next books.

I enjoyed this clever story that moved at a great pace. Women embracing their power and fearful reputations so they can protect each other was a nice change. I also appreciate that our hero settles into his new role as a librarian and sets about learning from what he organizes. Cozy elements combine with medium-stakes fantasy. And all around good time. 3.5 stars rounded up

I have to admit this is my first book by Stephanie Burgis. I had never heard of her previously but was excited by the premise of “Wooing the Witch Queen”. My excitement was heightened when OwlCrate announced this would be the adult book subscription pick. I was lucky enough to listen to an arc of it’s audiobook format. After finishing the audiobook I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy.

“Wooing the Witch Queen” is a heartwarming cosy Romantasy which radiates with magic and charm. Plus it’s full of some of my favorite tropes, “Who did this to you?!?”, found family, and enchanting animal familiars.

We have our MMC Felix, who is the Archduke of Estarion. Felix is currently fleeing his country after being tortured for years with the hopes of claiming asylum within our MFC Queen Saskia country. Saskia is known around the continent as the evil witch queen. Even knowing the stories, Felix feels that he has no other choice but to flee. When Felix enters the castle Saskia mistakes him for a dark wizard who has come to bring order to her magical library. Out of fear he takes on the fake identity and resides within the castle. However, The longer Felix resides within the castle the more he realises Saskia is not what the world has painted her to be.

I have to say I throughly enjoyed this book. I think my only complaint at least in its audiobook format is that it’s not duel narrated. I think if “Wooing the Witch Queen” had been duel narrated the story would have been even better. Even with that said I still enjoyed the narration by Amanda Leigh Cobb. She did a fantastic job playing every character. She brought character and enthusiasm to every character.

My only other small complaint was the pacing. I did find the beginning slightly slow. But that only lasted the first 7 chapters. After that it was smooth sailing and I was hooked.

Now for the things I loved. Immediately my brain goes to our characters. Specifically Felix & Saskia. Felix is seriously one of the best golden retriever book boyfriends I’ve read in a while. And Saskia is such a fiery pistol underneath her grumpy exterior. I absolutely adored them both. Watching these two fall in love and share vulnerability with one another was so satisfying. They both felt like genuine couple. I loved watching them help each other become more confident people and the way they protected one another.

Continuing on with characters. We can’t forget one of my new favorite found families. Starting with Oskar the crow. I can’t believe I fell so hard for a bird. But here we are. I seriously loved that little crow so much and the book had me constantly wishing I had a Oskar of my own. Then we have Mrs Haglitz, the troll housekeeper. Mrs Haglitz reminds me of Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast”. You can easily see that she cares for everyone within the castle. And you can feel the motherly bond she had for Saskia. Also have to throw in a quick mention for Lorelei & Ailana. Even though Lorelei got on my nerves sometimes. You can tell they care for Saskia and are truly the best loyal friends anyone could ask for.

Overall, I highly recommend “Wooing of the Witch Queen”. And I can’t wait to read the sequel for Lorelei’s story! Big thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for providing me an arc copy!

Oh my this was wonderful! We love a bi morally grey queen and a cinnamon roll masked librarian! The MMC gives off major Dorian from TOG vibes! The narrator did a phenomenal job on this one! This was such a cute fun adventure and I’d love to see more in this universe!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Wicked Sorceress Falls for a Cinnamon Roll in Disguise!

Ohhh this was deliciously fun! Imagine a gaslamp fantasy world where wicked sorceresses rule, ogres lurk in dark forests, and magic crackles in the air like static before a storm. Now throw in a cinnamon roll of a fake wizard—who is actually an imperial archduke in disguise—and you’ve got a recipe for pure chaos (and some serious swooning).

Queen Saskia is the powerful, no-nonsense sorceress everyone fears, but she’s got bigger problems than public perception—like the looming imperial threat next door and the absolute disaster that is her magical library. Enter Fabian, a mysterious wizard with excellent organizational skills and a penchant for writing poetry that just so happens to make Saskia’s cold heart stutter. She hires him on the spot. The only problem? He is not a wizard. Not even a little bit. Not even at all.

Cue the slow-burn tension, sizzling chemistry, and absolutely hilarious moments where Fabian tries so hard to keep up the act (while also falling hopelessly for Saskia). And let’s not forget the uneasy alliance of three magical queens, the looming war, and the fact that secrets never stay secret forever.

Why not 5 stars? The middle dragged a teensy bit, and I wanted just a bit more time with our power couple post-reveal. But honestly? This book had me grinning, swooning, and gasping in equal measure. If you love wickedly powerful women, secretly-soft-for-her love interests, and a touch of political intrigue, this one’s for you!

Queen Saskia has managed to take back her rightful throne, but her work has only just begun. She hires a dark wizard to manage her library, but Fabian isn't who he appears to be. Fabian is actually Felix and Felix is actually a duke on the run and in disguise. Can navigate her new role without losing her heart?

Read if you like:
-Magic
-Secret Identities
-Found Family
-Cozy Fantasy

I really enjoyed Wooing the Witch Queen. It was fun, fresh, and layered with enough intrigue to keep me glued to my ear buds. I can't wait for more in the Queens of Villainy series.

A great cozy read with interesting world building and an interesting dynamic between the love interests. I love stories where the woman is in power, and having a badass witch queen as the protagonist was a fun addition to this story. I enjoyed the narrator's voice and pacing, and I thought they did a good job telling the story in a way that worked well and was easy to follow along. I also enjoyed the side characters and world building within this story.

2.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to MacMillan Audio #macaudio2025 and NetGalley for a copy of this ALC.

I really wanted to like this. I think the premise seemed so fun! Then I realized that certain fantasies aren't for me. I think the funny, low stakes, witty fantasies aren't my thing, I think that people that like low stakes, lighthearted and funny and fantasies that immerse you in the fantasy world immediately would love this book. I just realized this book was not for me. I did like the fact that some of the usual tropes you see were flipped over on their head.

I do think that the narrator did a great job and created really fun vibes for the story.

Closed Door Modifications: Chapter 24

Overall this was a cute book, with an interesting premise, a fun romance, but an ultimately weak plot. I thought the actual writing was good, but the book just wasn’t long enough to dive into the political maneuvering, or the romance either. But I enjoyed the story all the same and I will definitely be reading the next book!

🌈Queer rep: Bi female main character, previous FF relationship in the past

This was a cute, quick read that gave reverse "Apprentice to the Villain" vibes. This book could honestly have a sequel that stays with this pair instead of moving on to the next queen and I would probably enjoy it more than whatever plot we will be getting from the fae queen. I want to know how Saskia and Felix unite the kingdoms. I want more hot librarian/wizard/actually a monarch story. I want more crow banter!

The narrator does an excellent job with this audiobook, I have absolutely no criticism of her work here! It was perfect and really keeps the reader engaged. The story, however, was too cozy for me. There seems to be a lot of cozy reads or novels lately where the story BEFORE the start of the book seems to be much more exciting and interesting than the actual story line given. It is simple and nice, but overall I was not a fan and wanted to learn more of the past and not their future. As cozy reads go, it was very low stakes and little to no action at all. In fact, I have a hard time remembering at the end what happened overall besides the plot of the characters getting to know each other and political talk. It might be time for me to retire cozy reading for a little while, but I truly appreciate the ALC to be able to review!

In this easily consumable fantasy tale of mistaken identity, filled with questions about who you can trust, Felix, Archduke of Estarion, seeks sanctuary at the castle of Queen Saskia, only to be mistaken for the dark wizard she seeks to organize her library.

There’s an alliance between the three villain queens, secrets, and some traitors infiltrating the castle.

Saskia is a strong female lead; Felix is a cinnamon roll; and I enjoyed the build of their slow burn romance.

Amanda Leigh Cobb’s narration kept me engaged in the story, but a male narrator for Felix’s POV would have enhanced the storytelling for me.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review. This book was a delight. I loved the gender swapped tropes that occurred throughout the book. Felix was such an adorable sad man and Saskia was so fierce and knew exactly what she wanted. I thought their relationship balanced out their personalities so beautifully. Just everything about this book was adorable. I will definitely be continuing this series in the future.

4.5⭐️

The coziest fantasy about a trio of magical “evil” queens with a dash of romance and the most delightful side characters.

I had a blast reading this and if you’re looking for a bingeable cozy fantasy with misunderstood characters and love an unlikable FMC (x3!), Wooing the Witch Queen needs to be on your TBR. I really loved how the story focused on Saskia and the queens of villainy and how yet again, some stupid male because he didn’t get his way and doesn’t like that a woman is has power and wants to protect her people (the nerve to want equality), he labels her as “wicked” and “evil” and launches a plan to unseat her from the throne. Give it up, my dude! Saskia is a badass and I adored her character’s journey.

Felix was a precious, bookish, gentle cinnamon roll and I wanted to burn down the world to keep him safe. I loved the banter between him and Saskia and appreciated that the romance was a slower burn so the two could develop trust and some delightful tension.

I would say this is an excellent book to pick up if you’re wanting to dip your toes into fantasy but don’t want a tome with intense world building. This fantastical world was dazzling and intriguing and the historical and political elements were easily accessible and not overly complicated.

I really enjoyed the audiobook narration, but I do wish there had been a second narrator for Felix. The preview for book two was fantastic and I cannot wait to read it.