A really cozy romantic novel set on a magic island. Just reading about all those delicious cakes and pastries made my mouth water and my stomach rumble. I just wish the magic had featured a little more. Very readable.

I absolutely loved this book, read it in one sitting, it was light hearted, the characters were loveable and they grew so well. the story line was a romantic easy read and it was a beautiful story in general. would absolutely recommend to a friend and will be reading more from this author!

Oh how adorable this book was! It was such a fun, easy and light read. I finished it in one setting!

I love how determined Alex is to provide for her sister. She knows she has to do whatever possible to make sure her sister has no worries.

Ethan is determined in his own way. He knows he has a lot to lose if he doesn't stick to her plan.

Together, they realize they may have a change of plans. Their magic is noticeable from the start and the rest you will have to find out for yourself!

Hallmark movie in a book! The best!

4.5 stars this was really cute but I wanted more magic!!!

this is a very cozy romance about a baker and a food critic - where the baker is banished to a magical community. I love how naturally the relationship progressed, and also how naturally the magic system was incorporated into the story! I am a fantasy lover so I would have been happy with more magical inclusions and lore, but the nature of this book as a more romance-focused storyline was very intriguing. Can't wait to read more in this series!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Such a cute story! But fair warning—you’ll want to have some really good pastries on hand or you will go crazy with cravings. 🍰

The magical aspect of the story is subtle, in the best way possible—like a gentle sprinkle of fairy dust that makes everything feel extra cozy and special. You’ll fall in love with Magnolia Cove; the descriptions reminded me of Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, with its perfectly curated charm and whimsical storefronts.

The love story is a sweet, slow burn that has you falling right alongside Mia and Ethan. He’s gentle, kind, and has such a beautiful heart. Mia, on the other hand, arrives with a tough shell that slowly chips away, piece by piece, as the story unfolds. Watching them grow closer is incredibly satisfying.


This book is for you if you like:
+ Small town charm
+ A sprinkle of subtle magic
+ Foodie delights and bakery vibes
+ From “I’m here to expose him” to “oops, I fell in love with him”
+ Forbidden romance
+ Slow burn with a soft, tender hero


I also really enjoyed the world the author created, and I *really* hope we get a future book featuring grumpy pseudo-parole officer Dean. He deserves a love story too!

This romance novel delivers all the feels you'd hope for—tender moments, emotional depth, and just the right amount of tension. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their journey from strangers (or friends, or enemies!) to something deeper feels both believable and heartfelt. The writing is engaging, with just enough detail to pull you into their world without slowing the pace. Whether you're a die-hard romance fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this book offers a charming escape filled with love, growth, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Whisked Away is a cosy read set in the idyllic tourist town of Magnolia Bay, a place so charming, it almost feels like a dream.

After a sickly-sweet review, complete with sparkles, goes viral, Alexandra - a serious food journalist known for her passionate but honest articles - is sent to uncover the truth behind The Whisk and its owner, Ethan Hart. She arrives at Magnolia Bay skeptical and prepared to write a scathing take down. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the town, the people, and the man running the bakery.

Ethan and Alex’s romance burns so slowly that every missed opportunity between them leaves you begging for someone to make a move, and the towns people add more to the whimsical feel. Magnolia Bay is the kind of place you’d love to visit, but it’s hiding secrets that the council and townsfolk are determined to keep buried.

That said, there was a bit too much happening behind the scenes for me and revelations that were unexpected. I also wish we’d seen more of Tish and Missie, Alex’s best friend and her sister. They’re described as important, Missie being her reason to continue with the exposé that isn’t in her nature, but their interactions are limited. I feel like it would’ve added a lot to see more of Alex’s softer side through them.

Final thoughts: A cutest little magical read that’s perfect for sitting on a beach with a fruity little drink. Expect mystery, sweet moments and charming moments that’ll make you contemplate running off and starting over with a baker in a small town.

📚 BookTok Review: Whisked Away by Noel Bailey 🥐✨​

Whisked Away by Noel Bailey is a delightful blend of romance, small-town charm, and a sprinkle of magic. Set in the enchanting town of Magnolia Cove, the story follows a determined journalist on a mission to write a critical exposé about a local bakery. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan Hart, the bakery's charismatic owner. As she delves deeper into the heart of the community, she discovers that the bakery—and its owner—hold more magic than she anticipated. ​

What to Expect:
Enemies-to-Lovers Trope: The dynamic between the skeptical journalist and the charming baker offers a compelling journey from initial conflict to heartfelt connection.​
Magical Realism: The subtle infusion of magic adds a whimsical touch to the narrative, enhancing the allure of Magnolia Cove.​
Culinary Delights: The vivid descriptions of pastries and baking scenes will leave readers craving cinnamon rolls and croissants.​

If you're seeking a heartwarming romance that combines wit, warmth, and a touch of enchantment, Whisked Away is a must-read. Perfect for fans of cozy romances with a magical twist.​

#WhiskedAway #NoelBailey #SmallTownRomance #EnemiesToLovers #MagicalRealism #BookTokRecs

Food journalist, Alex, sets off to Magnolia Cove on a mission to fulfill an assignment from her boss with hopes of a promotion and better opportunity to support her younger sister. She has her goals and future all planned out, but a few weeks in the Cove getting to know The Whimsical Whisk baker, Ethan, and the many entertaining locals causes Alex to question if she really has her life all figured out.

Ethan and Alex's story is a sweet, lighthearted romance with a magical twist. A quick and easy escape to an enchanting world.

While the plot-line was simple and I wished for more development of the characters, both main and supporting, it was well-written, charming, and cute. The bonus playlists and recipes are a special touch. I will be adding this book to my classroom library and recommending it to my students.

This was a very sweet read, full of magic. Alex is a food journalist, very career driven, ambitious and diligent. Ethan is a mysterious baker, who's creations are sweet, hopeful, masterful and magical.

At first, Alex wasn't very impressed with Ethan, but Magnolia Cove took her breath away. Ethan's talent was obvious, but so were his secrets and she wouldn't let that stop her from writing her article.

Slowly, along with his bakery, Ethan wins Alex's heart and prepares to fight for her despite the concerns from his community, wanting a chance at something real.

I give this book 5 stars, truly deserved for this well written story. The story was flowing naturally and engaging from start to finish.

3 star read for me.

Did enjoy the book though, it was a good story, did take me about 20% into the book to get hooked though

⊱ ۫ ׅ 4 ☆




┆ ⤿ 💌 Wrapped in Ethan’s arms, I smile. I’ve found my happily-ever-after, and it’s sweeter than anything I could have imagined ❞


“But you know what I learned? Being different, embracing what makes you unique–that’s what makes the world beautiful.”


“This space, this feeling–it’s home. And I don’t know what to do with that.”


“The wanting sits deep in my bones, an ache I can't shake. Alex Sinclair looks at me like I'm something special, like I'm more than just magic and secrets and shame. Like I'm someone worth knowing.”


“Hope is the world’s most painful emotion.”




── tropes .ᐟ
ᰔ small town
ᰔ golden retriever mmc





╰⊹ ࣪my opinion:

This book feels like home.

I’ve been in a slump before this book. I got bored of every book I picked up and only made it to about 20% before dnf’ing each one. But this book alone pulled me out of that slump. It was definitely a page turner.

I always love books that focus on sisterly love, even if it's for a brief moment. Alex and Missy are adorable and at times Alex reminded me of myself a lot.

There’s something about Noel Bailey’s writing style that I just enjoy so much. It reminds me of many of my favorite authors, and I really hope Noel gets the recognition she deserves!!

The main characters in this book are EXTREMELY likeable, even the minor characters who don’t really play a big role in the book.

Ethan is the most sunshine guy to grace the earth. 😭💛

Also, I need that dean book asap. 🙏

“Infatuation is when you’re attracted to someone. Maybe you had that with Sarah–fine. But love? Love is when you care about someone else’s wellbeing and happiness over your own. You love Alex, you big dummy, and you’re just going to stand here and give that up because you’re scared." This quote will forever live with me. I love Zoe so much.

Overall, this book was an amazing experience, and I'm so lucky to have been an early reader1 Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity!!

Missing these lovely characters already. 💔

This was a very sweet and fun book that left me drooling over essentially every food item described at the bakery :) it was definitely unlike any book I had read and I enjoyed a lot of the unique concepts!

I thought the main characters complimented each other well, however I felt like their relationship was a bit underdeveloped and I did wish there was a bit more background into the [SPOILER] magic / shapeshifting element. I also couldn't help but cringe at the overuse of 'magical' and 'ClipClop app' but overall, I enjoyed my read.

Thank you to Noel Bailey, NetGalley, and Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pre thoughts
-Bakery

Post thoughts
- short easy to follow.
- Clip clop app?
- Small town romance.
- Meet cute between the FMC and MMC.
- Great plot building.
- Enjoyable read.
- Magical town.

Overall
This is a lovely cozy small town magical romance read. Quite well written and builds a great atmospheric read.


Stars 3.5 rounded to 4
Spice 1/5

Tropes
- small town
- Meet cute
- Workplace / rivals
- MMC has dimples
- Slow burn

Thank you net gallery and victory editing for the opportunity to review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own x

3 stars! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was a cute, cozy, small town romance with an unexpected (at least for me, lol) magical realism plot. Ethan and Alex are very Hallmark-esk, but their relationship was a bit too surface level for me (and I didn’t feel like they had much connection)

Here are the 2 points at where the book lost me: Ethan’s magical speed at catching things and the constant references to the “ClipClop App.” And (spoilers ahead) the shapeshifting plot threw me for a serious loop and didn’t feel fully relevant to the story. But overall, a fun and cute book!

May I say this is one of the cutest book I ever read this month and It doesnt fail to make me smile and giggle so much. Not to mention with all the desserts mention doesnt help my situation. I keep craving for desserts

love the concept of magic infused in the pastry and the secret magical small town and have beauty and the beast kind of moment. Yes, its very magical and I'm obsessed. I can't get enough of this magical town and the magical desserts

I love how engaging the writing and I adore all the characters in this book. Ethan and Alex moments is always my fav and will always be! Wish the next installment we can see the characters more ✨

Detailed and link of my review will be updated once I post it online!

I enjoyed this book! The cover really sets the tone. It has that magically cozy feel and a cute romance story. I also feel like it's the perfect length. Its not too long and not to short. I am so thankful that I got to read this arc and i'm excited to watch Noels career take off.

Whisked away was such a fun and cozy quick read. I did really enjoy the story and the characters. It definitely felt like a hallmark movie on the page. I also enjoyed that the magic was used more uniquely that I expected.

What kept this from being a higher rating for me was the fact that because this book was a shorter book there just wasn’t enough time to fully explain or get into some things. And maybe we aren’t supposed to know everything since this is book one but with it being a quicker read it felt like some things were a bit rushed. I really would’ve liked more explanation on why Ethan’s shifting was such a big deal even within the magical community. I would’ve liked to see a bit more of the budding romance between Ethan and Alex.

Even though I’m nitpicking a little this was still a very nice and cozy read that I very much enjoyed.

Whisked Away by Noel Bailey is book #1 in the Magnolia Cove Magic series. This is a small town, rivals to lovers, sweet and magical romance.

Alex is a food journalist for the acclaimed Gastronomy Eats, working hard to support her sister and avoiding love. She is assigned to expose the small-town bakery in Magnolia Cove where the handsome and charming baker Ethan Hart is serving up delicious pastries. Alex knows that this article is the key to a promotion and career boost and she is determined to see this through, however the small town charm and magic of Magnolia Cove and Ethan get under her skin. This was a fun, quick read with lots of sweet moments. I really enjoyed seeing the character development throughout the novel and am excited to read more in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book, it brings in a character who has just as much Golden Retriever energy as the dog itself. The way that this man protected his way of life and then disregarded his own feelings was truly a heart puller. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends and future students to read!