The story concept was cute, and the writing was well executed, but I just could not connect with the characters. I tried so hard to connect, but they just didn't resonate with me. I was disappointed because I loved the concept.

I think maybe if I read this book again some time in the future, my opinion on it could change. For now, this is where I'm at.

The pacing on this felt way off. The "I can't touch him/her" plot didn't start til about 40%, there's some weird energy with them being together/having sex all the way til 70%, and somewhere along 50-60% the whole mystery takes a backseat and the romance really comes into play. The book synopsis really hyped up the mystery element and I was looking forward to that as much as the romance, so I think I was kinda bummed when I kept reading and found that it was so romance heavy in the second half.

Their weird "second chance" relationship felt underdeveloped, and not really like a second chance. Their problem is never really explained, only alluded to in the first 40% that they hooked up in college and it didn't go the way they wanted it to. I didn't understand their hookup nor did I understand what was keeping them from being together as it wasn't sufficiently explained.

The fact that they were both Bi was a plus, but there was this weird relationship with both the fantasy and human world that just clashed in a way that didn't make sense. It seemed less like the real life was a part of the fantasy life and more like they existed alongside each other so to see so much about BLM and religion next to such a witchy world didn't feel organic and felt more forced instead. I have read books where there's a real world and a fantasy world and they blend together seamlessly where the humans and witches can invest themselves into the same issues and topics but this book made it seem so fake that the witches had such a role in caring about those things, as if leaving you thinking, what does BLM or religion have to do with this mystery? It just was plunked in there, it felt, and rubbed me the wrong way.

I don't want this to deter anyone from reading, I really do think that this book isn't horrible for a debut and would be willing to read it again and would recommend it to anyone who loves a cozy spooky read as it really would be a great pallette cleanser, it's just not for me right now.

"After the deaths of his parents, a witch returns to his spooky family manor and joins forces with his former crush when his parents' spirits warn them of a sinister threat in this witty and lyrically unique rom-com in the vein of The Crescent Moon Tearoom and The Ex Hex.

Azrael Ashmedai Hart must be cursed. He's a witch twice named for the devil. He's making his way back to his family manor in Hallowcross after a failed screenwriting career. He's adopted a cat he's allergic to, and if all of that is not enough, he's also forced to come face-to-face with his childhood best friend and former crush.

Victoria Starnberger, the bubbly girl-next-door Az lost touch with after an awkward incident in college, has just been disowned by her parents for quitting business school and buying Azrael's late parents' Hopelessly Teavoted tea shop against their wishes. Being cut off financially is one thing. But, now Vickie also owes a lesser devil for the souls her parents promised him in exchange for her gift to summon the dead by touching something they treasured in life, destroying the object in the process.

When spirits all over town, including Az's parents, keeping warning her about a sinister threat, Vickie and Az are forced to combine their powers to save the Hallowcross. But to do so, they must prevent her magic from immolating him after Vickie's devil places a curse on them to keep them from touching until she repays her debt. As they race against the clock to find clever ways around their curse, they find it increasingly harder to deny that they've been hopelessly devoted to each other all along."

I like the Pushing Daisies curse of it all.

I think this was a cute and cozy read.

I enjoyed the characters and the magical feeling of it all. I felt like they were both personable. I hate when the characters are blah, you know?

This is perfect for anyone like me that needs a palate cleanser from the dark and pitch black romance I read 90% of the time.

Overall, I would recommend this coziness ☺️

I really loved the unique plot and magic system here, as well as the lovely prose. The characters were fun and interesting--even the side characters, I also really appreciated the discussion of the complicated grief / guilt of losing your parents at such a young age. The spice was SPICY and well-written. The cover is also gorgeous! I was fairly invested in the love story at the start, but I wavered throughout because I felt that we were told what they like about each more than we were shown, and their inner monologues about how deeply they want each other got a bit repetitive for me. But it was a great debut, and I'm excited to read more from this author!

Sexier than expected and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Writing isn't the best at times, though, like when it's just randomly thrown out the male lead happens to be a great fencer right before fighting the big baddie? Ok..right. And how the romantic pair kept waffling with their feelings even after they'd admitted to them? I can relate to the insecurity, but the female lead brought it on herself from what I could tell based off what she'd said to her past roomie. Ugh. It was infuriating. Otherwise, I dug the sexual tension and the premise of their type of couple, because it feels similar to my own situation. Fun read if you want something sexy and a bit witchy.

I was invested in the romance and storyline for the characters in this book, it was everything that was promised from the description. I was engaged with the supernatural element that I was wanting and enjoyed the overall romantic comedy elements to this book. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed from the overall feel of them in this story. I enjoyed how Azrael was written and engaged with his storyline.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is an amazing book. I would like to say, for a book all about breaking a curse where the two love interest cannot touch, the smut level was crazy high. I understand the whole sexual frustration, but risking his death and her having to go in front of the witch's council, not sure I would trust a piece of saran wrap or a pair of gloves with my life. I can see the leather gloves, maybe, but SARAN WRAP???? The whole, well it's fiction'' you can't tell me there aren't people who would do the exact same thing if this happened to them. Okay, rant over (for now).

I loved everything about this book. There was so much going on but not so much that you couldn't follow it. Would love to see more books set in the same world. Either way, I will be looking out for more books by this author in the future!!!

After the death of his parents, Azrael moves home to become an English teacher. There he his childhood friend has ended up purchasing his family's old teashop and keeping it in business. The two reconnect as they solve the mysteries of what's going on in their town.

Oh yeah. Az is a witch. And Vicky is able to talk to ghosts.

Overall, I loved the concept of this book. It seemed like such a good fall read but I couldn't help but be interested in it. Anything that has a deadline of Halloween is just the right amount of spooky.

I really loved how so much was tackled. How Vicky's powers were used was an interesting concept. How the world building went. I loved seeing it and definitely wanted to stay in the world a little bit longer even when there were times I found myself annoyed with the characters.

This was a fun read! I can't wait to see what else the author comes out with.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I really wanted to like Hopelessly Teavoted, but by 11% in I was already rolling my eyes. There’s heavy religious criticism and digs at “megachurch” culture, plus mention of a pandemic (we can assume it’s Covid) — but seriously, how are we supposed to believe two very powerful witches both just die from it at the same time? It’s never explained in a way that makes sense.

Then there’s this mysterious “incident” that happens at college, but it’s so cryptic it’s almost frustrating. Why even mention it if we’re not going to get details? The characters feel completely flat, and the story just hops from one plot point to the next without any flow or buildup. Everything is rushed, nothing lands, and I honestly couldn’t connect to anyone or anything. The synopsis made it sound like it had potential but for me it was a total flop.

I am definitely in my paranormal romance era, and books with ghosts have been my whole personality lately.

Hopelessly Teavoted had a little bit of everything happening: we had deals with demons, witchy tea shoppes,looking evil, ghosts and of course the enormity of Azrael’s pining for Victoria. The childhood best friends to lovers is one of my favourite things, it’s just so sweet and endearing. Not to mention how much Az’s family (his sister Priscilla and his sadly deceased parents) are rooting for him and Vickie.

I will say that at times it did feel like there was a bit too much going on at once. Just between the mystery and the curse and the soul reaping, etc.. but the author made up for it in Taylor Swift references (the true way into my heart).

If you are looking for something witchy with a TRUCKLOAD of yearning, I think Hopelessly Teavoted will scratch that itch. Perfect for spooky season :)

What a wonderful read... NOT. Officially, the second worst book of the year 😫

Look at that cover 😍 I love it! Genres: romance, magic, paranormal, Halloween. All up in my ally. But it was so so bad.

I would have loved to read more about witchery and magic and less about how much they wanted to bang each other 😖 (not to spoil, but they could not touch each other). But hey - they couldn't even tell how they feel 🤦‍♀️

Most of the magic was done by snapping fingers, and it got really annoying (fun fact: word combination 'snapping fingers' was used in this book 165 times). Azrael (MMC) could whoosh up anything and everything, but when Vickie (MFC) didn't have vegetables at home, he offered to go the store 🤔

There was another huge topic throughout the book that I'm tired of, and it just brought the rating and my mood down.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

Azrael Hart, a witch, returns to his family’s spooky manor after the death of his parents. He’s reunited with his old crush, Victoria Starnberger — now the owner of his late parents’ tea shop — who has a magical gift and a devilish curse: she can’t touch Azrael. Together, they have to get creative as they face a sinister threat warned by Azrael’s ghostly parents... all while fighting a forbidden attraction.

There was so much to love about this book — first of all, the MMC's name is Azrael 🫣🔥
I also loved the blend of spooky, witchy vibes with cozy, whimsical energy. The magic system wasn’t over-explained, which kept things light and fun.

But... is there such a thing as too much pining? Because Azrael has loved Vickie forever, and he just goes on and on about her without ever telling her anything! The unrequited love trope made things feel super repetitive — especially in their monologues 😩 I kept screaming (in my head): TALK TO EACH OTHER instead of drowning in this endless cycle of lust!!!

Also, can we talk about the excessive use of the word “goddess”??? Am I missing something?? 🤷

The mystery element had promise, but it felt underdeveloped and not fully fleshed out.

Overall, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
Still… I absolutely need a book about Benedict and Persephone Hart — I pictured them as Gomez and Morticia Addams and I have no regrets 🤪

Thank you once again for the e-ARC!

Hopelessly Teavoted is a moody little brew of cozy magic, second-chance romance, and generational grief, steeped in a post-pandemic world that’s still licking its wounds. Set in the atmospheric town of Hallowcross, where spells are real and heartbreak cuts deep, Audrey Goldberg Ruoff’s debut novel offers up witchy warmth, emotional rawness, and a generous pour of quirky charm.

Victoria is in shambles—freshly dumped, disowned, and directionless—when life throws her yet another curveball: her former college fling and childhood neighbor, Elliot, returns to town. His failed screenwriting career isn’t the only ghost following him, and the two quickly fall into a complicated push-and-pull full of longing, gloves-on touches, and cursed intimacy. Literally. There’s a magic curse that keeps them apart, and while the premise has potential, the middle chunk of the book feels like it brews the same scene again and again: “we can’t touch, but maybe we can, but also we shouldn’t.” It becomes more repetitive than romantic.

Where the book shines most is in tone and voice. Ruoff writes with a wry, self-aware sharpness that makes her world feel emotionally grounded even when things get strange (and they do). Victoria’s grief, her anxiety, her meds, and her messy heartbreak all feel authentic, even when filtered through potions and protective charms. In fact, the way this book handles mental health in magical spaces is refreshing—yes, even witches need Zoloft sometimes.

That said, for a novel with so many story threads—mysterious curses, unresolved family trauma, the death of powerful witch-parents, a missing local, and a town full of side characters with secrets—the pacing wobbles. The emotional arc of the romance takes up most of the page time, which leaves the more intriguing mystery plot underexplored. For readers expecting a dual-focus narrative with both romance and plot propulsion, this might feel like an unfinished spell.

Also worth noting: the flashback structure could’ve used more cohesion. The college backstory between Victoria and Elliot is essential to understanding their connection, but it feels like a haze rather than a vivid memory. A second flashback or a clearer anchoring to that pivotal moment might’ve added the emotional heft the present-day longing needs.

For readers who like:
-Cozy, witchy romances
-Second chances, slow burn, and high emotional stakes
-Books that explore post-pandemic grief

Final Verdict
While Hopelessly Teavoted didn’t quite land all its spells, there’s something undeniably compelling about Ruoff’s voice. The romance has sparks (even if it repeats a bit too much), and the magical realism adds a unique flair. With a tighter plot and more balanced pacing, I believe Ruoff’s next novel will be something truly enchanting.

Grateful to NetGalley, Atria Books and Audrey Goldberg Ruoff for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

The premise was cute, but the writing style wasn't for me. I wanted to see more character development from the MMC and FMC.

Hopelessly Teavoted is a charming and witty romantic comedy that blends supernatural intrigue with heartfelt emotional stakes. Set in the atmospheric town of Hallowcross, the story follows Azrael Ashmedai Hart, a witch returning to his family’s spooky manor after the loss of his parents and a stalled career. When he reunites with Victoria Starnberger, his bubbly former crush and new owner of his late parents’ tea shop, they must confront a looming supernatural threat together.
Audrey Goldberg Ruoff crafts a unique, lyrical narrative filled with clever humor and richly developed characters. The novel explores themes of family legacy, love, and redemption while delivering an inventive magic system involving soul debts and curses. The tension created by the magical curse preventing the protagonists from touching adds fresh complexity to the classic enemies to lovers and rekindled romance tropes.
This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy quirky, atmospheric romances with a blend of dark fantasy and lighthearted banter. Fans of The Crescent Moon Tearoom and The Ex Hex will find much to love in Ruoff’s engaging storytelling and vibrant character dynamics.

!!! I truly did not know what to expect because this book has Pushing Daisies vibes as the marketing and I know NOTHING about that. This book was a breath of fresh air in the magical/paranormal books I’ve read recently. I enjoyed how funny and tender this book was and how much both of these main characters yearned for one another. I really enjoyed the quest/mystery elements throughout this book and all of the supporting characters.

One of the hardest parts for me was that Covid existed in this universe and directly related to the MMC journey, so check your content warnings!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: I really wanted to like this book more. I love a witchy love story with some mystery. But I found some parts very tedious and dragging. The amount of pages for Az to keep telling the reader how he pined and loved Vickie was over the top. And they kept going on and on and on...

That being said, I love the idea of supernatural and human pairings. And Az's sister Prissy was very funny and smart. Love that in a side character. The mystery got confusing at times with a lot of shade magic information and musing about souls but I rooted for Vickie and Az of course.

The idea of a mega church using "religion" to wreak havoc and evil is pretty interesting. And using religion to control others is definitely a timely topic.

Lots of spice. And I do mean lots. So the book has that going for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

Hopelessly Teavoted is a warm, witty, and charmingly chaotic rom com that feels like a hug in book form. It follows the life of a tea-obsessed protagonist navigating love, identity, and the messiness of adulthood with a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The tea metaphors might be a bit on-the-nose at times, but honestly? They work.

The romance is slow burn but satisfying, filled with banter, misunderstandings, and the kind of chemistry that makes you grin like an idiot. I appreciated the diverse cast of characters and the authentic emotional depth layered beneath the laughs. Some scenes felt a touch too quirky for my taste, but overall, it delivered exactly what I was hoping for sweet, smart, and soul soothing. 3.5 ⭐️

A cozy, witchy and whimsical second chance romance between two best friends, Victoria and Azrael. I loved that Az's family were Addams Family-inspired, whose late parents were utterly besotted with each other. I loved the intrigue with Victoria being forced to capture three souls for Lex, a minor devil and the warnings about the local megachurch.

However, it became repetitious with Vickie and Az constantly pining over each other, but even with gravedirt (a truth serum) and Persephone telling Vickie to put her sensitive son out of his misery, they still refused to talk about their feelings! It got old quickly and kept them - and the book's pace - in a holding pattern despite having to resolve everything by Halloween. Also, while there were some fun spicy scenes, I was perplexed why they were fooling around given they had an important mission. As such, the unveiling of the villain fell flat which was a let down because I was just as interested in the mystery was I was with the romance. That said, I adored Az and Vickie together and I loved their connection, especially with Vickie understanding Az’s grief given she also loved his parents.

I'm looking forward to seeing Az's sister, Prisc in the next book.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.