
Member Reviews

Une cosy fantasy toute mignonne dans la même vibe que the baby dragon café. J'ai beaucoup apprécié la lecture de ce roman.
J'aime beaucoup les deux personnages principaux et la manière dont leur relation se développe. Je trouve que ce livre permet de voir les fae sous un autre jour et c'est rafraichissant.
J'ai très envie de lire d'autres livres de cette autrice.

✨5 cozy, sparkly stars!✨
If you're looking for a low-stakes romantasy that feels like wrapping yourself in a magical quilt, Bargains with Benefits is it! Luna and Vincent stole my heart from the moment drinks flew (literally) and sparks flew even harder. Their opposites-attract dynamic was adorable without being cliché, and watching them fumble through their bargain—while clearly falling head over heels—was the best kind of slow burn.
Luna is such a warm, chaotic ray of sunshine with a touch of fae wildness, and Vincent? Total cinnamon roll trying to pretend he's a snob. His wind magic being all flirty on his behalf? Cutest magical wingman ever. 💨💕
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated the themes of identity, belonging, and breaking away from family expectations—especially with the fae/human dynamics at play. And the Cliff House Inn setting was enchanting; I wish I could book a room and stay forever.
This book is like sipping a honeyed cocktail by a crackling fire while the wind whispers sweet nothings—sweet, swoony, and just spicy enough. A perfect escape. I’m already counting down the days for the next book in the Fae by the Bay series! 🌙🏡🧚

Adorable low stakes, cozy fantasy with rivals to lovers and found family. I really enjoyed seeing Luna and Vincent’s relationship grow, especially with the added magic elements (iykyk!)
Bargains With Benefits is a feel good read, a perfect breather for me between more intense fantasy reads. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

What a cute fae romantasy!! I love when a fae romance takes place in a regency setting. This was such a cozy read and low stakes! You can't help but root for the characters and I really enjoyed the plot! What a fun read!

Bargains with Benefits is a sweet and cozy fantasy. Luna is a strong, persistent FMC, and I loved how grounded and real both she and Vincent felt—genuine, flawed, and emotionally complex. Vincent’s wind magic was a delightful touch, almost like a little companion, adding charm and whimsy (at least until the spice kicked in, that was a little unexpected!)
The worldbuilding was immersive and enchanting, I found myself wishing I could visit the inn Luna loves so much. While the plot moved a bit slowly and the stakes were low, that’s typical for a cozy fantasy, and it worked well for the tone of the story. It read very much like a YA novel at first, but the romance evolved into something sweet and tender, with just the right hint of heat toward the end.
Overall, this was a lovely, easy read perfect for fans of cozy romantasy stories that are character-driven!

Bargains with Benefits is precisely what I want in a book that is marketed as cozy fantasy romance. The characters have a meet-cute early on and quickly recognize they can use one another for their goals. The dual POV was perfect for their setup. There were enough things unsaid early on for some misunderstanding, but not anywhere close to a miscommunication trope (thank goodness). Instead of feeling like a slow burn with tension, their relationship blooming felt adorable and heartfelt. I internally wiggled multiple times over their cuteness. The non-romantic aspects of the plot hold emotional weight and lead both MCs to grow in their view of the world and themselves.
I like this book enough that I bought the Kindle and paperback to support the author further. There is another series by the author set in the same world that will be added to my TBR.
-Cozy Fantasy Romance
-Dual POV
-Magical Mystery
-Estranged Family
-Challenging Prejudice
-Adorable
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Confident, Self-Aware FMC

Such a cute, cozy fantasy, it was easy to be drawn into their magical world. Perfect for lovers of low stakes fantasy, with a sprinkle of spice and a plot to uncover family secrets…
The story was easy to read and there wasn’t intense background information to recap so you could really sit back and enjoy. The FMC and MMC were perfect for each other, the growth of trust and adoration between them was charming and a joy to read. I always love a duel POV as it gives the characters depth from the start as we get a less biased narrative, so I really enjoyed having their actions and choices explained throughout rather than a big reveal at the end.
They both have complicated relationships with their families and previous trauma connected with that, which made their bond stronger. They have healthy communication and handle each other so sweetly once they became more trusting, honestly so cute.
The side character friends are so supportive and I look forward to reading more into their lives later in the series…
Thank you NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the ARC edition.

'So, it's my magic you're after(...)
- You are magic to me. It has nothing to do with your element.'
In this book we meet Luna, half-fae who tries to find her place in the world, where being a 'half human, half fae' is not so ideal. Fae are very closed community and everything and everyone that doesn't fit into their frame won't be accepted. Even her own father despises her. Trying to save an inn she lives at (which she loves so much, despise there not being a one customer wanting to book a room), she strikes a bargain with a very well-respected fae journalist, Vincent, whos work she loves.
Both of them agree, that it could only be a bargain so each one of them will get what they want - but can you tell your heart to not feel anything? And more - could you be so sure that the life you living is not a lie?
I think it's a beautiful story about finding yourself and love, even if you are not trying to fit in societys standards, it is also about staying true to yourself, even tho it would be easier to try and 'fit'. I really enjoyed this book and loved all the interactions between both of the MC AND side characters too - i would love to get a next book about some other people we met here.
The only thing it was lacking of - i think i need more explaining of the magic system - how does it work? AND the spicy scenes were okay-ish, but not spectacular. for me they were more like 'sideway plot', felt a little bit rushed.
But anyways, i enjoyed it nonetherless and would recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book! i will definitely look out for more from Jillian Witt.
all of the opinions are my own.

First of all thank you Jillian Witt for giving me the chance to review the ARC!
It took me a while because I did not want it to stop. I had opinions at the 80% mark and could have given the review by then, but I wanted to finish the story.
This book is for people who wanted more from Legends & Lattes.
I will try my best not to spoil it; but again with the maybe daddy issues though? (you´ll just have to find out for yourself) but I´m not mad at this one though
while yes it´s a bit more spicy then Legends and Lattes, it gives you the fantasy you want with the spice you want from a romance book...oh did i mention it also has a sprinkle of mystery too?
everything about it made me feel all the cozy feels i felt, along with obsessing over Luna and Vince.....did i mention his powers has a personality? (is that a spoiler?) That part was so cute! Thank you again to Jillian and their publisher for giving me the chance to review the ARC!

I adored this book. It was everything I needed in a book right now. I knew almost immediately that it was one I’d love. Luna and Vincent were two halves that completed each other well! The twists and turns, though relatively predictable, were executed well, and everything had its purpose.

Bargains with benefits is a feel good cottage-core cozy fae romance.
Luna is a half-fae who runs Cliff House Inn, where business has not been booming lately. She is at risk of losing the Inn if she doesn't sell out all the rooms by Long Night. That's when Luna stumbles upon Vincent, a widely regarded journalist, whose opinions matter to the people.
Once they realize they both need something from the other-
He needs access to her family's home, to source info for his current article about her father. While Luna needs his glowing recommendation published about her inn in order to save it- They decide to strike up a bargain, access to her family in exchange for his recommendation. Only one problem, Luna and her father are estranged. She an Vincent will have to spend quite a bit of time together to complete their goals.. and it doesn't helps he finds herself attracted to him.
"Today wasn't feeling like a bargain."
"All I want is to be here for you, Luna. I won't leave unless you ask me to."
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Myth and Magic Book Club for this ARC.

This was my first Jillian Witt book but it will not be my last. Bargains with Benefits is a cozy romantasy that starts slow but builds into such a cute, easy to love, fluffy read. I absolutely loved watching Luna and Vincent fall in love. The magic system was great. I loved all of the elemental powers. This is a very low stakes story but I was just what I needed. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you Jillian Witt and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

📖 Title: Bargains with Benefits-Fae by the Bay #1
✍🏾 Author: Jillian Witt-new to me author
📅Publication date: 6/3/25 | Read 5/31/25
📃 Format: e-Book 312 pgs.
Genre:
*Fantasy
*Romance
*Sci Fi
Tropes:
*opposites attract
*fae/human
*family drama
*cozy inn
*magic
👆🏾POV: 1st person dual
⚠️TW: grief, death of a parent, estranged parent, blackmail/bribes
🌎 Setting: Sandrin
Summary: Luna works at the Cliff House Inn but hasn't had a guest in months. Vincent writes the "Benefits of Magic" recommendation column and is offered a career-defining assignment, but it involves investigating Luna's father. Vincent offers Luna a bargain if she can get him access to her father's house, then he will give her a more "old fae" makeover and write a feature about her inn. to boost occupancy.
👩🏾 Heroine: Luna Pierce- half-fae groundskeeper of the Cliff House Inn.
👨🏾 Hero: Vincent Andiveron-wind fae, from an "old fae" family. He works at The Bayside Times
🎭 Other Characters:
* Seraphina-owns the Parkview Tavern and works at the library
* Evelyn Knowles-fire fae but can't shift, an expert in blood magic, and a server at the tavern
* Darius Pierce-Luna's father
* Patricia-Vincent's editor
* Skye-Vincent's sister, owns a boutique
* Ambrose- a writer Vincent knows that can help magically open the door at Pierce House.
🤔 My Thoughts: I don't usually read a lot of fae novels, but this was done well. Luna and Vincent were easy to root for because they cared about each other and were always honest with each other. I loved the little twist with Luna and her father and Vincent and his parents. It was a satisfying HEA, and I hope Seraphina and Ambrose get a story.
Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 4/5 🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Jillian Witt for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Fae bargains, forced proximity, and a slow-burn romance? Bargains with Benefits is a cozy romantasy that starts slow but builds into such a cute, spicy read. Luna’s trying to save her inn, Vincent’s a smug fae journalist, and their opposites-attract tension? Chef’s kiss. Sweet, magical, and full of heart with a satisfying HEA! ✨🌙💫
Thank you NetGalley and author Jillian Witt for the opportunity to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review!

Bargains with Benefits is a cute, cozy, fantasy romance about Luna who is a half-fae, but lives more as a mundane and an old fae, Vincent, who comes from a very traditional and private family but wants to be his own person. They don't hit it off initially, but come to make a deal as they both have something that can help the other.
Spice level: 3/5
Overall rating: 4/5
The author did a good job of folding the world building into the story. Witt has another series set in the same world, which I haven't read yet, but I had no problem understanding the setting and elemental magic in this book.
I immediately liked the female main character, but it took my some time to warm up to the male main character. The first half of the book was also a bit clunky at times, but I kept reading as I wanted to see where the story went. It started to come together around the halfway point and I couldn't get enough once the novel hit its stride.
The third act conflict in romance novels can be very hit or miss for me, but this one really made sense within the story and without giving anything away, was handled very well. It reflected the growth of the characters, particularly Luna, and fit their motivations.
I loved how the relationship developed between the main characters and where we ended up with their story. The side characters were also well developed; they are supportive of their main character friends but still had their own motivations and personalities and I'm interested to see who is featured in the next book in the series.
Overall I would recommend if you are looking for a cozy fantasy romance (aka romantasy) with some spice, great characters, and just the right amount of stakes to move the story along.

📖✨Bargains with Benefits ✨
🧚🏻♀️Jillian Witt
📚 Fae by the Bay #1
Are you suffering from a book hangover and don't know what to do next?
I have the PERFECT solution for you !!
This cozy romantasy with low stakes and happily ever after will definitely make you all giddy and giggly !
TROPES :
🍸 Fae Romantasy with Regency-esque setting
🗞️ Dual POV
🍸 Reluctant allies to Lovers
🗞️ He falls first
🍸 Swoon worthy Banter and Slow-ish Burn
🗞️ Opposites Attract
🍸 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗞️ Cottage core vibes
🍸 Fae Bargains & Curses
🗞️ Sassy Sentient Wind magic
🍸 Hidden powers
🗞️ He takes care of her and fusses over her
🍸 Family Feuds and Resolutions
🗞️ Happily Ever After
I think I just found my new favourite author!! Jillian had me swooning and giggling all throughout the book and I loved every moment and every page of this beautiful masterpiece !
And dare I say my favourite character in this story was the MMC's "Wind magic" , forget shadow daddy , say Hi to WINDY DADDY 😏
I haven't read Compass point yet, but considering it's the same world as this one , m definitely reading it next !
I really enjoyed the whimsical world building, the cozy yet deep and meaningful plot, the lovable and understanding characters and the witty flirty slow burn romance 💞
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And yes , there's a Happily ever after which made my heart happy and fulfilled 🥰💕
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Thank you so much Jillian Witt and Netgalley for this Wonderful e-ARC .

This is the first book I have read by Jillian Witt and I am so glad I was influenced by a friend to read this. This was a dual perspective book and it worked! I am not always a fan of multiple view points but it flowed easily in this book. This follows Lina and Vincent into their journey of a mutual benefiting agreement. One where it will grant Vincent access to Luna's dad and in exchange he will promote her Inn inside his newspaper. Throughout their journey they create a friendship, an equal dislike for anyone who discriminates against non full fae and then of course sprinkle in some romance. This was more than just a cozy fae read. This is a book about finding yourself, accepting who you are not matter the family you come from, opening your heart to love and taking a leap of fate with family and love. I absolutely loved how this book was written and how easy of a read it was. The magic aspects within this book were fun and I enjoyed seeing the different aspects of their power and how it evolved throughout their journey. This is a must read if you like cozyish fantasy with some romance and a sprinkle of spice.

I have had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC of this lovely book, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I love love loved Luna and Vincent, and found myself wanting more of their friends as well. The relationship between Luna and her friends was so fun and heartwarming, and I appreciated how much personality they could have in such short interactions. The world itself felt so magical and welcoming despite some of the tensions that were prominent in society, and I loved how Vincent and Luna dealt with these things in their own ways. The two perspectives added so much to the story, letting us see into both their worlds and watching it all unfold in such a perfect way! I looked forward to each chapter I read, loving the banter, the magic, the characters, and the romance. So many moments I found myself smiling because Vincent and Luna were just so sweet together.. I haven't read Compass Points, but I loved the writing and the world so much that I'm reading it asap.

Such a cute cozy read! Loved it. I’m such a spoiler/over talker and with that ending I’m not getting into the details just yet so I’m leaving my review with a highly recommend as a “warm book” grab your hot cocoa and blanket and curl on a comfy couch and enjoy the journey, the simple spice, good friends, Luna and Vincent’s relationship growth and the ending had me wanting more! Enough said what more can you want from a book? 💙
I also absolutely loved the cover and had to buy this book and added the rest of the authors books to my TBR 🥰 I’m hoping to read the compass points series ASAP!!
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for this book! 📖

This book felt like a warm cup of tea with a dash of magic! I’d call it a sweet romance wrapped in a fantasy world full of elemental powers and juicy family secrets. It’s the kind of story that gives you all the cozy vibes: light, fluffy, and just a delight to curl up with.
I absolutely loved watching Luna and Vincent’s story unfold. Their connection was so heartwarming! And the magic system? Super cool. I especially enjoyed the idea that half-human, half-fae characters could tap into their powers in special, sometimes surprising ways.
If you’ve just finished something heavy and need a palate cleanser that’s charming, magical, and just plain fun. This is the book for you! ✨📖💕