This book is for those who are hardcore romance fans. Lots of inner dialogues here. When I actually finish a story like this it says something - many times I just quit but it’s worth it to read!

3.5 stars rounded up for review
Hopelessly Teavoted is a cozy debut that is perfect for when you just need something for the fall vibes. This is a paranormal romance that is told in the third person, dual pov. Victoria is our FMC and she has been disowned by her parents. She has quit business school and has bought our MMC's late parents' tea shop. She also owes a devil for a promise her parents made...
Az aka Azrael, comes back into town and his childhood crush now owns his parents shop! He also has a cat he is allergic to. I really liked his character. Since you know we have the childhood crush type of Subgenre going on there is some yearning going on.
There are some things I wish that would have been kept out of the book. But in the end overall I thought it was a great debut. I will always fall for and read books with witches in them.
Thank you to Atria for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]

Overall, it's a low-stakes, cozy read.

There’s a lot I liked about this book (The cover is so cute! The puns!). The synopsis made it feel like this book was written with me in mind… yet it fell a little flat. To be fair, the book I read before this sort of broke my brain so I think any book I read afterwards was going to be a struggle.

Most of the book features Az and Vicki pining and since it's a dual POV it sometimes felt repetitive. They’re both very obviously into each other but are both too in their head about a falling out that happened when they were in college. When they do finally decide to maybe start something, they refer to it as ‘pretending’, (though it’s clearly not).

This is a romance book but I think the author tried to include a mystery to help create a plot. Unfortunately, it didn’t work since the mystery portion often fell to the background. It also made the timeline and flow jumpy.

One thing I really enjoyed is that the author was able to create this world where the paranormal felt possible. The powers aren’t overly large and it’s hidden from the public eye. I would absolutely love to live in or visit Hallowcross! There was also a lot of representation featured, which I’m also a big fan of.

I rated this 3.5 stars but rounded but for the vibes and seeing a not nice man get what he deserves. If you’re looking for a cozy romance with Fall vibes and a ton of yearning, this is for you!

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel on Netgally.

Hopelessly Teavoted follows Az and Vickie as they come together to see if they can be friends (or maybe more) following a disastrous event in college that caused them to no longer speak. Meanwhile a demon wants Vickie to reap souls for him due to a debt her parents took out and a fake medium spurs controversy due to her sudden comatose state.

The concept of this book was good, the execution was mid. There is a lot going on, and I don’t think the author had a good handle on all of the elements. The book goes back and forth between wanting to be a mystery and a romance and never really finds the balance between the two. One minute nothing is happening, the characters are just friends and everyone is tired working their day jobs, when all of a sudden Az discovers who the culprit behind all the issues is because he walks into a building. Like zero confirmation of what that person was doing, zero idea of what kind of powers they might have and how to defend against him when they decide to just jump right into a confrontation.

The romance also felt stunted, probably because the characters didn’t feel true to how they felt outwardly. Like we know Vickie is a mess inside because of Az, but from his perspective there is literally nothing wrong with her. She’s happy and smiling and friendly, as if she’s completely unaffected by his presence. Then when she finds out the truth of what happened that night in college she moves past it so easily that it’s hard to grasp that what he did was actually illegal in his world. Then the book tries to show you how bad it is by having it happen to them and it just fell flat. All they did was confess what they already knew about each other and cry. None of it felt monumental to them even if it was supposed to be.

There is, for some reason, a final battle. I’m not entirely sure why it was really unnecessary and took up all of a page on my boox screen (a screen the size of a phone), so not even a full paper page. It felt very much like a piece added in last minute to make Az seem like a white knight, kills only for justice, kinda guy. After Vickie had pretty much already won the battle without him. Just let her be a badass and let him be a little morally grey in this situation (either way he kills someone).

The book did get better the further in you got. Conversations became more fluid and less choppy, the romance felt more real, and I have to hand it to the author she knows how to write a good smut scene. I think the first half of the book could use re-writes on the conversations so they flow from topic to topic better. Additionally the crime subplot needs to mesh better with the romantic plot, too often it felt like a random piece added in to pad the page count.

3.5/5 Stars

I thought this one sounded so interesting. Unfortunately it turned into a dnf for me. I just couldn't find myself able to connect with Victoria and Azrael or their relationship. I also was hoping for a bit more of the magical aspect.

Hopelessly Teavoted is going to be one of the most perfect fall reads. It’s romantic, cozy, and action packed. What a dream to take on someone you love’s coffee shop and reunite with the love of your life. So, so sweet. I did find myself getting annoyed with Vickie from time to time, she just kept doing the same things over and over again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Overall, this was a somewhat enjoyable witchy rom-com. I mean, as a cat lover, the cat originally sold it for me lol. I unfortunately had a hard time truly connecting with the characters and story. The MMC's parents died from COVID, which in a normal story wouldn't be so crazy, but this is full of paranormals, and that started the disconnect for me, unfortunately. Don't get me wrong, I did not hate this. The romance was cute and quirky, and there is a lot going on with the deals with devils, mortal perils, supernaturals galore, etc. It's an easy read to get you in the spooky spirit and makes for a solid palate cleanser.

DNF around 40%

This is a paranormal contemporary fantasy romance with witches, demons, and magic but there are WAY too many real world issues. The MMC's parents die...from Covid? Witches dying from Covid? Really? There's the "bad" megachurch. The "bad" gun lobbyist. Regardless of your thoughts on these things, do they really belong in a paranormal witchy book?

& then there's the fact that the FMC is just sexually interested in everyone all the time. Just lusting over everyone, even going as far as thinking about the random woman she meets masturbating. I mean, really?

This one just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Atria for the ARC!

This was such a cute whimsical debut novel. It was very high stakes low drama. I liked that it was almost more of a mystery with a splash of romance. I would love to have another book with either Az sister or with Lex

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review

There's a cat, a sentient house, and magic (my favorite kind of witchy elements), but I just couldn't connect with the characters or story. This is lighthearted, however, and witchy enough to put me into the fall Halloween mood.

The main characters were supposed to be post-college young adults but they and their interactions felt very teenaged. They fell in love before the start of the book and were over-the-top in love from the beginning, so I didn't feel any emotional investment in their relationship. By the end, I still don't really understand the reason their college hookup was such a big deal.

The premise and the mystery of the book felt very minor and hand wavy with the focus on the main characters' relationship and internal pining struggle. The mortal peril was very low stakes when all the main characters could think about was being in love with each other and whether they'll admit their feelings. The political commentary also felt very forced and did not make sense in the context of the story, but I do appreciate what the author was trying to do.

If you like puns, childhood best friends, and contemporary witchy books, this'll be a quick amusing read. There is discussion of parental loss and grief. Thank you, Atria Books, for the arc!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a great debut! I love me a good witchy romcom and this one was so satisfying. If you want a super cute, cozy, witchy read definitely check this one out. As long as you don’t mind some spice…

After the death of his parents, Azrael returns to the small town of Hallowcross and runs into his childhood crush. Victoria has just been financially cut off by her parents for dropping out of college to buy Azrael’s parents tea shop. She wants to focus more on magic and the spirits. She was cursed with the ability to see the dead by touching an item the deceased loved, but it destroys the item in the process. And now because of the demon that created said curse, they can’t touch each other until they find a solution to the town’s current magical issues.

i absolutely LOVED THIS. bonus points for the beach read reference tossed in 😭

this just gave such cozy vibes. az and vickie’s love had me tearing up nearly every chapter. a million stars ✨

Thank you so much to Audrey Goldberg Ruoff and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. This is a cozy spooky paranormal rom com. Az and Victoria are the perfect cute couple. The spice was perfect for this book. The story is very well paced and has some great elements to it. It is a great read for the fall. Cant wait to read more from Audrey.

Azrael Hart is a soft, broody witch who’s allergic to his cat and emotionally allergic to closure. After losing his parents, he returns to Hallowcross and finds himself face-to-face with Victoria, his childhood best friend and long-time crush. She’s recently bought his late parents’ tea shop (against her parents’ wishes) and, oh yeah—she’s in debt to a lesser devil and cursed so she can’t touch Az without nearly lighting him on fire.
This book is full of offbeat charm and creative magic. I loved the spooky New England vibes, the supernatural chaos, and how emotional it got when grief and forgiveness crept in. Az is peak emotionally intelligent MMC (seriously, he deserves a doctorate in yearning), and Victoria is the ultimate chaotic girl boss who cut ties with toxic family and built her own path.
The side characters were great, and I appreciated how seamlessly queerness, religion, and different belief systems were woven in without ever feeling performative. The pacing jumped a little at times, but the blend of romantic tension, magical stakes, and heart-tugging emotion kept me hooked.

᪥ RomCom
᪥ Paranormal
᪥ Friends To Lovers
᪥ Cozy Spooky

DNF at 20% for me. The writing was well done and the world intriguing, but I struggled to feel attached to the characters.

Hopelessly Teavoted was an amazing debut novel, and I think the author, Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, knocked this one out of the park with its paranormal romance perfection!

This paranormal romance is a perfect fall romance. There are witches, devils, magic, and a truly amazing supernatural house.

Azrael was the absolute perfect book boyfriend. He was always clearly smitten with Vickie, and boy did he yearn for her unapologetically. He wasn't shy about his emotions and was just the sweetest type of guy ever. Azrael was also dealing with grief, and I loved how the author addressed his journey with it throughout the book.

Vickie was a bundle of sunshine but really struggled with trust and being truly accepted. Even though she was absolutely head over heals for Azrael, it took her a long time to come to terms with her love for him and acting on that love.

The love was sweet, and the spice was hot 🔥 I truly adored this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Expected Publication Date: September 16th, 2025.

Hopelessly Teavoted is a charming and heartfelt story that blends romance with just the right touch of humor and emotion. Audrey Goldberg Ruoff creates relatable characters whose journeys feel genuine and engaging. The chemistry between the leads is sweet and believable, making the romance easy to root for.

The writing is smooth and enjoyable, with well-paced scenes that keep the story moving without feeling rushed. While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes, the author’s warm storytelling and unique tea-themed backdrop give it a refreshing twist.

Overall, it’s a delightful read for anyone looking for a cozy, feel-good romance with depth and personality.

3⭐️ – Ghosts, tea, and second chances? Count me in.

This book was super cozy with just the right mix of magic, romance, and spooky vibes. A witchy tearoom, a childhood crush, and a few supernatural twists (hello ghosts + deal with the devil 👀) made it a fun, atmospheric read.

I really loved the world—it felt warm, whimsical, and easy to picture. The minor characters were actually my favorite part! I liked the main couple, but I wish there had been a bit more chemistry or emotional depth between them.

It started off a little slow, but the ending totally made up for it. The story touches on grief, healing, family, and finding your purpose—with some magical realism and mystery mixed in. If you’re into cozy fantasy with a touch of romance and a whole lot of heart, this one’s worth checking out!

Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Audrey Goldberg Ruoff for the ARC 💫

BOOK REVIEW ✨

Hopelessly Teavoted by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff

“After the deaths of his parent, 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.”

Rating: 3⭐️
Genre: mystery, romance, witchy fantasy
Yes, no, or maybe: Maybe

Highlights:
-witchy powers
-second chance romance
-family love
-mysterious evil forces at work
-pining
-exploring grief

This book has a lot of good elements! I’m a sucker for a witchy romance/mystery. The FMC was strong and independent while the MMC was sensitive and lovable. I would describe their love as totally and completely smitten (adorable!). I also loved the picturesque town and tea shop setting. All in all it was a good palette cleanser!

Why isn’t this a 5⭐️ read??
I honestly think there was just too much going on. There was romance, a crafty demon making deals, speaking with ghost, a hidden bad guy, another romance, family drama, etc etc! I think this could have easily been two books or more time could have been devoted to a few specific concepts. Overall I enjoyed the concept, just felt pulled in a lot of directions.

Again, I think this is another palette cleanser to add to your fall witchy TBR! (I know you have one!!)

okay this was a surprise?? i'm so excited for fall now this was so fun!! the pacing felt just right to me, and the banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. i cant recommend this enough!

thank you netgalley for the arc!!