I’ll admit it, I’m very guilty of judging a book by its cover, and I definitely did that here. Luckily, this story absolutely delivered! From the start, Magnolia Cove pulled me in with its fall atmosphere, crisp air, magical secrets, and that small-town charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and never leave.

I especially loved how beautifully the author wove in the musical references. They added so much heart and depth to the main characters without ever feeling cheesy. Missy’s burnout and her constant pull toward people-pleasing felt so real and relatable. Paired with Dean, a broody, rule-loving warlock, the tension and chemistry were spot on. Their slow-burn connection was the kind of romance you can’t help but cheer for.

It’s a closed-door romance, but that didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. If anything, it kept the focus on the characters’ growth and chemistry. The whole book is an easy, comforting read, and while the plot is predictable, it’s in the best, most satisfying way.

I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, but this one worked perfectly as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be going back and picking up the first two now, I need more of this world!

If you’re looking for a magical, autumn-inspired escape with music at its core, this one is well worth adding to your TBR.

Strings Attached by Noel Bailey is a captivating and heartfelt novel that expertly weaves together themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. From the very first page, Bailey’s writing pulls you into a world rich with emotional depth and relatable characters whose journeys feel both authentic and compelling.

What stood out most in this story was the way Bailey handles the complexities of relationships—the delicate balance between trust and fear, connection and independence. The characters are well-developed and flawed in a way that makes them feel real, which only deepens the emotional stakes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the romantic tension builds naturally throughout the narrative, keeping me invested in their evolving dynamic.

The pacing is well-managed, striking a nice balance between moments of introspection and scenes of meaningful action and dialogue. The author’s prose is polished yet accessible, making the book a smooth and engaging read.

If I were to note a slight drawback, it would be that some plot points felt a bit predictable at times. However, the warmth of the characters and the sincerity of their interactions more than made up for this.

Overall, Strings Attached is a beautifully told story about navigating love with honesty and courage. It’s a perfect pick for readers who appreciate romance with emotional complexity and characters who feel like real people. I’m looking forward to reading more from Noel Bailey in the future.

Missy Sinclair lo tiene todo para ser feliz: una carrera meteórica como violonchelista, una gira internacional que cierra con ovaciones de pie y un socio musical que parece hecho a su medida. Sin embargo, bajo los focos se siente vacía y agotada. Decide tomar un respiro y viaja a Magnolia Cove, el pequeño y enigmático pueblo costero donde vive su hermana, con la esperanza de reconectar con la música sin presiones y recuperar la chispa que una vez la movió a tocar.

Dean Markham, jefe del consejo mágico del pueblo, vive entre responsabilidades y secretos. Mantener a salvo a Magnolia Cove requiere disciplina férrea y la distancia emocional que le ha costado familia y amistades. Cuando Missy tropieza con él, ambos sienten una atracción tan inesperada como peligrosa. En medio de risas, roces y veladas llenas de melodía, Missy empieza a descubrir que el verdadero concierto ocurre fuera de los escenarios, y Dean debe decidir si se atreve a abrir su corazón antes de que el pasado vuelva a reclamarlo.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.