This is one of those books where I 100% chose to read it simply because of how gorgeous the cover is. I loved the NYC beauty editor vibes and the fact that there was a legit centuries old genie in a bottle who granted three wishes...cue the 1999 Christina Aguilera hit "Genie in a Bottle " ;)

While you would expect the wishes to be fairly simple, the way that Scarlet put thought into them thinking that they would benefit her was a bit unexpected. I am grateful for it because after how the first wish of hers went...she definitely needed to put more care into them.

There is a love triangle in this book as mentioned in the promotional IG posts on Hazel's IG and let me just say that I was rooting for Sahir the entire time. Sahir is the kind of genie who's seen a thing or two...or three and because of that, he warns Scarlet of what wishes can do in certain circumstances. The fact that he always asked if that's what she really wanted when she did use her wishes was so appealing to me.

When it comes to Ethan...ugh, the man drove me nuts. He doesn't get any sort of points. For a man so focused on his own career...I have some choice words for how he treated Scarlett.

The ending of the book wasn't what I necessarily expected it to be, but it was one that was 100% deserved.

Highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a book that's less than 200 pages to read. I also recommend it to readers who enjoy NYC vibes, beauty, marketing, love triangles with hot men, forced proximity, magic, and career driven women who absolutely earn the promotions they deserve.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you Hazel for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

it felt like a story reaching for something profound without always arriving there. Its central idea is charming, and there are moments where the narrative captures the quiet weight of hope, regret, and the consequences of wanting more than life is willing to give. However, I found myself emotionally detached from much of the journey. The characters had glimpses of depth, yet I wanted them to be explored with greater nuance, allowing their choices to resonate more fully. The writing carries a gentle warmth that makes the pages easy to move through, but by the end I was left appreciating the intention more than the execution. A thoughtful read, though not one that lingered with me long after the final page.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. It was a great read with everything you would expect from this genre!

A classic case of "be careful what you wish for" and wishing for more wishes isnt on the table. Kind of reminds me of the one wish willow from Obsession but minus the horror obviously but same general vibe - the verbiage of a wish is important. It just wasnt my cup of tea, but I tend to lean a bit more towards fantasy these days

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – The Problems with Wishes by Hazel Calder
I truly loved this book! 💕 It was the perfect palate cleanser, and the storyline was so lighthearted and refreshing.
This book really shows you that sometimes love can be staring you right in the face, but you can miss your opportunity because you're too busy wishing for things—or people—that aren't really meant for you. 🥹💗
If you're looking for a read that's going to make you think about how you see love, life, and your career, this is definitely the book for you. And if you're like me and need a little break from all the horror, thrillers, and smut you normally read 😂, pick this one up!
I truly enjoyed every minute of it. Happy reading! 📚✨💕

When Scarlet loses out on a promotion she is discouraged about work and life in general. Going through PR from work she uncovers a mysterious bottle that opens her world to things she would have never expected.

The Problem With Wishes was such a fun, light hearted read. I could not put it down once I started. Sahir helped Scarlet see that she was so much more than she ever imagined and built her confidence in ways she never expected. It was such a sweet story of romance building through genuine friendship and companionship.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I loved how the main character was able to stick to her guns and ambitions. It really sent an empowering message to those who want to prioritize a career that they love (even if it's hard at times). I thought the plot was a little slow, but the premise was good enough to keep me turning the pages. It was a very realistic "romcom," not as idealized as most of them, so it was quite refreshing.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ✨

The book has all the cliches a romance needs. It’s fun to read. The wishes feel a bit cliche, but it has a fun vibe. I like the way that it shows that not everything you wish for is what you really want or need. All you need is some faith in yourself. ✨

Still glad they end up together though. 🥰

2.5/5 stars rounded to 3
Positives:
Kudos to the author for writing a story less than 300 pages, and not have it feel like an instant love story. There was no love bombing or grand gestures (minus the obvious one knowing this is a romance involving a genie) that felt like it was happening too fast. This story focused on our main character Scarlet and her personal growth, which was really nice.
Sahir was not what I expected a genie to be. And everything I say after that will be a major spoiler. 🤐
All I’ll admit is that if I were Scarlett, I would have been selfish.
Negatives:
The title doesn’t really play into the story very much. The description is also a little dramatic compared to the actual story. It’s more playful than it really is to be honest. It definitely grabs the attention, but I felt a little misled, and would have liked a little bit more mishaps.
I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, but it’s normal compared to other contemporary romances.
It mentioned her moving to Dubai twice in different scenarios which I thought was odd. It’s not a huge negative, but I didn’t understand why the second time had to be Dubai. It could have been anywhere in the world.

Thank you to Hazel Calder and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for the ARC!

Overall, a really cute story. It's giving Aladdin - with the lead being a woman, better banter and a lot more chaos. I wanted to love Scarlet, I really did. However she is written in a way that is so unlikeable that it was truly hard for me to root for her in any way. Also, I'm not even sure you could call this a slow burn. There isn't any build up on how the romantic feelings develop, they just POOF appear, almost like the genie? I did love Sahir, he's funny, comedic timing is everything. The writing is good, it's a quick read.

Scarlet seems to have it all - she works for a beauty magazine - but she doesn't get the promotion she thinks she deserves, she has a boyfriend who is sort of Mwah - so when her boss gives her an account from a perfume maker in Dubai - to her amazement she gets a Genie.

Two of her wishes are about her job, and Ethan - her last was the most important and life changing.

Great cozy romance!

Scarlett works at the fashion magazine Velvet, and after a disappointing setback at work she's assigned a new project that ends up bringing Sahir into her life, a genie who lives inside a perfume bottle. From there, everything changes.

What I loved most about this book was how relatable Scarlett is. I think a lot of us have felt the same way she does at some point, especially when it comes to work and feeling like we're not good enough. There were so many moments where I found myself thinking "is this about me?" Her insecurities felt very real, which made it easy to connect with her.

And Sahir? I adored him. He's basically the emotionally mature, supportive guy we all deserve. He gives Scarlett great advice without ever being preachy, and I loved how kind, patient, and completely non toxic he was. Their chemistry was there from the start and they shared so many funny and sweet moments that had me smiling.

My only real issue was the pacing. Scarlett's storyline started to feel a little repetitive, and for a good stretch of the book it felt like it was going in circles before the plot finally moved forward. At times it felt like the story was stuck in a loop.

Overall, this gave me The Devil Wears Prada meets 13 Going on 30 with an Aladdin twist and I had a lot of fun with it. It's cute, original, and the perfect cozy read for a fall afternoon.

Let me start by saying that this was my very first NetGalley book! I picked it because I fell in love with the cover, opened it, read the description, and I was SOLD. ✨

This book is everything you want a rom-com to be. It’s fun, romantic, heartwarming, has a beautiful message, and of course… a happy ending. But more than anything, it feels magical.

Scarlett is our FMC, and she’s such a relatable character. She struggles with insecurities, anxiety, flaws, and still has so much to learn about life; and about herself.

And Sahir… he’s exactly the man for the job. HE chose to help her become the best version of herself, and that, for me, is what makes a top-tier MMC.

The connection between them is absolutely beautiful, and watching their relationship grow was pure perfection. 💖

You have no idea how much I enjoyed this book. The writing is beautiful, easy to read, and the kind of story you’ll finish in one sitting because you simply won’t want to put it down.

Definitely a new favorite for me! 🥹🖤

I found this book very fun and fast paced. I read it in two days and enjoyed it a lot! I gave it four stars, because although the book was really fun I think the ending could have been a bit longer. I think it ended kind of abruptly and we didn’t get the best build up to the relationship. Sahir was an amazing character in this book and I loved the small magical parts this book had. If you love a romance with an element of magical realism this book is definitely for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!

This was such an easy lighthearted read. I relate to Scarlet in so many ways, which made this book difficult to put down. I can imagine a lot of people feeling the same way.

The cover pulled me in it is beautiful!

The premise of the story is something I haven't heard before and isn't pushing a bunch of history at you it is lighthearted and fun. A slow burn as well as a find who you are story and what you really want.

No spice
3.5 stars

Alright so I just finished reading this and goddamn, it's so amazing. The concept is captivating and so is the writing. The story ends on a sweet note, leaving you wanting more which is a great thing. I loved this book and I think I would like to see more from this author.

We have Scarlet Monroe, our fmc who works for Velvet, a beauty and lifestyle publication company. For years, she had worked really hard only to see her promised promotion be handed over to someone else before a more niche project regarding perfumes from a luxury Dubai fragrance house was assigned to her. Moreover, her boyfriend Ethan acts as though she was nothing more than a weekly schedule in his calendar instead of treating her like a girlfriend. Scarlet is frustrated. and rightfully so.

Imagine her surprise when a genie appears from one of the perfume bottles sent over for the new project assigned to her. Enter Sahir - calm, incredibly attractive, blunt at times, and somehow knowing what she needs every single time. Scarlet does not believe in magic but when disaster after disaster starts happening, she had no choice but to start believing that the wishes granted to her were real.

Scarlet was a very relatable character. Her frustrations were things that I think many of us would have thought of at some point regardless of our age. Her mindset was also realistic for her age and her current status in life. Her work anxiety and her wish for some semblance of stability in her very busy schedule were things that I could relate to very easily as well. What I loved about Scarlet the most was that she was reasonable. There were plenty of moments when Sahir would be blunt with the advice he gives her and she acknowledges that he was correct, even if she hated that what he said was right. It was wonderful seeing her maturity shine in those moments.

I loved Sahir. I would say that he is one of the more well balanced mmc that I have read about in a while. He's very mature and often gives Scarlett several good advice. I actually liked that he was blunt with his words at times because it helped to cut through Scarlet's anxiety and grounds her. He's also very supportive of her and really helped in building up her confidence. I loved that he sees Scarlet for who she is and how patient he is with her. He's the kind of friend everyone wishes to have in their life and he made for an even better partner. It was exactly the kind of person that our fmc needed in her life.

Something about this book healed me a little. It felt good to read a story where we can have emotionally mature characters who still struggle with their life because it tells us that sometimes what we think we want are not what we actually need. It also teaches us that what we actually need may have been with us the entire time.

The book was well written and was the perfect cosy, light-hearted read. I decided to read this book during my long flight and I was not disappointed!

Thank you the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is the typical "be careful what you wish for" and "hot genie" type of story. It's a fun read. We kind of have to get along and see her main character's life as the consequences of what she wishes for. I kind of prefer an alternative title for this book. It sounds too serious, compared to the book content. The story is not that dramatic, instead, it's more fun. The writing style comes with a lot of dialogues. I wish it to be a bit more captivating. I would love that so much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel Calder for the eARC of this book.

This was a quick read and I read it in less than a day. I liked the overall vibe of the book which was loosely aligned to Aladdin and 13 Going on 30. I like that Scarlett was a 30 something who wasn’t really sure what she wanted out of life, but she was having a tough time with societal norms and what it was expected of her to want: the amazing job, the doting fiancé, the fairytale wedding, etc. I think that this is such a common situation for a lot of women and I liked how Hazel put that into words.
I didn’t like how Scarlett was never happy and what she was thinking through her internal monologue was just kind of annoying, especially when she was sitting at dinner with Ethan‘s family who did seem lovely and engaged, but she literally had problems with everything that was said or asked. I did also think that as a woman working in corporate America for 10+ years, she should have been more confident in her abilities. This was way low confidence on a scale that was a little shocking to me. Yes, I get we all have big projects and things that come up that will affect our confidence, but I was struggling with that part a little bit.
Sihir was the best part of the whole book, I just wish we got more of him and Scarlett together when he returned. Maybe like an epilogue or a happily ever after. Cute book, glad I read it, cover is amazing.

The Problem with Wishes was sent to me as an advanced reader copy by the author. Earlier this year, I obsessed over her first book, Not Like Other Girls, so I was very excited to hear she had a second book coming so soon after the first.
Overall, The Problem with Wishes is such a cute, feel-good read that is perfect for fans of whimsy rom-coms. The “genie and three wishes” premise isn’t new but this takes it in an unexpected, refreshing direction. It’s the perfect balance of humor, heart, and a little magic without being cheesy.
What I loved most about the book is how the author keeps things fun, yet continues to create space for meaningful reflection on the importance of choosing a life that feels authentic to you. Calder poignantly captures the subtle intricacies of modern womanhood as well as the expectations we’re conditioned to follow without ever feeling preachy or pretentious. Her first book was much more direct; the approach here is softer, which fits the overall lighthearted tone, but it’s still impactful.
If you're looking for an uplifting contemporary novel that balances humor with meaningful reflections on love and life, I'd definitely recommend The Problem With Wishes. A great book to end summer with, this is available for all to read on August 29th.

This is a wonderful summer read! A fairly short (easily can read in one good sitting) novel but manages to be both light and breezy but with the ability to prompt some real introspection/reflection as well!

I had a very fun time with this book. Scarlet is so relatable in modern day craziness. I felt like she got exasperated about things that i also do on a weekly basis. MMC sahir was the perfect rock in this storm with grounded guidance I felt like i also needed. This was a very good lighthearted read!

A genie, three wishes, and a heroine trying to figure out what she really wants from life? The Problem with Wishes was such a fun and heartfelt surprise. When beauty editor Scarlet accidentally releases a genie from a perfume bottle, three wishes force her to rethink her career, her relationship, and what truly makes her happy. Sahir is the ultimate green-flag book boyfriend—kind, patient, supportive, and emotionally mature. With a little magic, plenty of heart, and a reminder that the life you're meant for isn't always the one you planned, this was such a cozy, uplifting read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Hazel Calder, for the eARC!

THE PROBLEM WITH WISHES by Hazel Calder was such a fun story. I initially requested to read this because the cover is so cute!

After Scarlet is passed over for a promotion, she is then given a new assignment to market a perfume. Feeling like this is consolation prize, she opens the perfume box and suddenly a very attractive man appears. Scarlet has got herself a real life genie!

I went in completely blindly and what a fun read this turned out to be. I truly enjoyed the banter between Sahir, the genie and Scarlet. Sahir turned out to be my favorite character in the story. I enjoy love stories that have magical realism. I say this often, but this would be such a fun movie!

This was a fun romance with a unique magical premise. The idea of a genie, three wishes, and a woman trying to balance her career and love life had a lot of potential, and there were definitely some cute moments throughout. Sahir was charming and sweet and the story had me hooked for a bit.
.
That said, I never felt fully invested in the characters individually but I loved their romance. I wanted more emotional depth, but overall, it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the arc.

I devoured this book in 24 hours and wanted for it to keep going. Watching Scarlet discover what she wanted after getting everything was very sweet. The chemistry with Sahir and Scarlet was palpable but the progression of their genie to friends to something more felt earned and had me kicking my heels at the end when the HEA finally hit. So many books do a lot of telling how much a couple gets along but Calder is masterful in showing the intimacies that will have people wishing for more.

Calder has delivered a book that gives the feels of 13 going on 30 and every Meg Ryan movie from the 90s rolled into a breezy happy romp I would recommend to anyone looking for a good time.

The Problem with Wishes is a fun romantic comedy that mixes career ambition, magic, and romance with plenty of humor. Scarlet Monroe's life takes an unexpected turn after a vintage perfume bottle from a Dubai fragrance house releases Sahir, an impossibly attractive genie. One impulsive wish lands Scarlet in the leadership position she thought she wanted, only to discover that managing a magazine department is far more complicated than it looked from the outside.

The magical elements never overshadow the heart of the story. Scarlet's personal growth, her evolving relationship with Sahir, and the messy reality of balancing success with happiness keep the story grounded even as the wishes create chaos. It was an entertaining read with plenty of witty moments and just enough magic to keep the pages turning. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.

This is a great read to pickup if you need a palette cleanser or in a reading slump. The storyline is fun and quick paced and really who doesn’t wish to have their own genie in a bottle? One missing piece for me is there was no closure to the actual perfume project and the presentation for that company. Did this go away when she made her first wish? It is all centered around the big project.

I do love the progression on the FMC’s thought process for each wish. Triangles are fun as I find myself siding more with one MMC than the other.

Thank you NetGalley for the early read opportunity!

I enjoyed this book, I felt it had an original storyline and kept the reader engaged throughout. The characters were likeable, and I found myself reading “just more chapter” often. The ending felt slightly abrupt, like it would’ve been better if it had either a couple more pages or else an epilogue, but was otherwise ok. The only thing that confused me about this book was that Sahir could eat, but wasn’t visible. My mind couldn’t comprehend how that worked when he ate whilst out in public; did the food turn invisible like him as soon as he picked it up, or else could others see the food mysteriously floating in the area before vanishing when it went in his mouth, and could people see the food quantity going down without seeing someone eating it. I found this part distracting as it raised so many unanswered questions. Otherwise the book was great

this book was pretty good. scarlett was very relatable, especially as being an american in the job system. i also thought that her mindset was very much in sync with her age and maturity, likewise her reasoning. sahir was caring with a side of fact and of fun, he was never too boring and never played the wise one in the book, he was just in the middle and i enjoyed that balance.

the reason i gave this book 3 stars was mostly because it didn't really get me inside the story at first. the first few chapters were slow, so i was popping in and out of this book, hence why it took me 12 days to finish this.

a charming and heartfelt story that blends emotion, hope, and self-discovery. The characters felt genuine, and I enjoyed watching them navigate life's challenges while learning that wishes alone aren't enough—sometimes the hardest part is finding the courage to make changes yourself.

The writing was warm and engaging, with just the right balance of lighter moments and emotional depth. It's an uplifting read about family, love, and second chances that left me with a smile.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 closer to 4.

I thought this was such an interesting story and how it unfolded. I enjoyed how the FMC was dealing with not feeling good enough I feel the same way sometimes. The Genie aspect was very interesting I haven’t read a book like that before I enjoyed it

The writing style kept my head in the book. The reluctant slow burn, a touch of magic and a bit of self induced chaos made for an entertaining story

PLOT
Our FMC Scarlett is struggling with feeling fulfilled both at work at her fashion magazine and in her romantic life. After being passed over for a big promotion, Scarlett receives an assignment to review a certain luxury perfume. When she sprays it, she sprays out a magic genie who grants her three wishes. Even more unexpectedly than the wishes, Scarlett is surprised by her ever increasing romantic feelings towards Sahir, the genie.

PROS
I thought the book did a good job of handling the tug between what a person feels like they “should” want vs. what they do want.
It was a fun, quick read and I definitely felt like I wanted to see where everything was going.

CONS
I felt like there were quite a bit of logical inconsistencies. Some were small, for example, at one point the genie gives Scarlett an iced coffee and a paper cup magically appears in her hand with the iced coffee. Anyone who has ever had an iced coffee knows that iced is always served in a plastic cup. That was a minor detail but as an iced coffee lover myself, I couldn’t let it go.

Big picture wise, I felt like the magic of the genie wasn’t really developed well. For example, he obviously has a corporeal body in that he holds hands with Scarlett, lets her rest her head on his shoulder, etc. But it’s also clear that he is invisible to everyone else. She talks about wearing headphones in public so people don’t think she’s talking to herself. But then, he eats a taco in public with her, how does that work? Does the taco appear to float in the air while he’s holding it? He can read her thoughts but also she speaks with him?

For a romance, the spice level was pretty PG.


Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

Warning: SPOILERS!

This book started out strong and was well written.
It was magical how Sahir entered her life.

Scarlet Monroe sound like a strong and admirable name, She is a smart and hard-working woman in her mid-30s who is a beauty editor for a top magazine in the heart of NYC, (I'm thinking "Devil Wears Prada Vibes."

You don’t enter this profession if you’re weak or shy. But that’s exactly who Scarlet is.
Scarlet grew more and more annoying. She became quite insufferable.

She made a mountain out of a molehill. She let her boyfriend (or barely a booty call) treat her like a doormat. I thought he was either married or gay the way he kept just inviting her to dinner and would never spend the night with her.
He finally takes her to meet his family in the Hamptons. But while she is at The Hamptons, as she calls it, "The H H Hamptons," she couldn’t even dress herself nor choose a pair of earrings without Sahir's help
It was just plain boring and tiring.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

⭐⭐ 3.75/5 stars ⭐⭐

Right, I went into this one properly intrigued, and I am delighted to report it did not disappoint. Loved the concept from the off, and honestly? I can already see this as a Netflix film, the kind you put on with a glass of wine and don't regret it.

Scarlet, my dear girl. Passed over for a promotion, landed with an assignment from hell, and then... a genie turns up. Life should be sorted now, right? Wrong. Because apparently we don't get what we want, we get what we wish for, and there is a difference.

Wish one had me properly cackling, going from zero to a hundred in the workplace faster than you can say "unemployment." Not everything went the way she'd have chosen, but Scarlet was an absolute icon with that marketing campaign. Truly wowed me.

Wish two though... Scarlet. Girl. What are we doing. You KNOW this man isn't the one, because if he was you'd never have needed the wish in the first place. He gave me such an ick, and then meeting the family and getting the "you'll give up your whole career to be my little stepford wife" treatment... I was SO proud when she sent him packing. As she should.

Wish three, I was rooting for her the entire way, and it was exactly the right call. I had my hopes for how it would all wrap up and the HEA delivered. No complaints there.

And Sahir. SAHIR. Mischief personified in a very enticing package, and genuinely one of the best parts of the book. The little non-wish moments got me the most, the way he supported Scarlet, the secret spying on her dates (iconic behaviour, no notes), and just... existing on the sofa with her watching absolute trash tv. That's relationship goals if I've ever seen it.

Anyway. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on my own genie in a bottle, my inbox is open.

3.5 star rating for me! This was A fun read that i just cruised right through the moment i started because it was short and quick to follow. It’s a rom that has the classic push-pull dynamic with the love interest. If you’re in a reading slump and don’t know which direction to go, this is the perfect read to get you back into it. I will say the wishes were a but predictable, but the writing is good and description is perfection. Loved the ending, and of course the “not everything you wish for is what you want” was done well. Also let’s take a moment for the cover art, that’s what pulled me in in the first place.

Scarlet can be kinda annoying sometimes, but I don’t hate her because I actually relate to her a lot. She makes mistakes, she’s messy, and that feels real. And Sahir, who’s mature, always giving advice and very supportive to Scarlet. I totally fell for him. You can really feel that he cares. He’s the kind of character you just want more of in the story. They balanced each other perfectly. Overall, it’s a good romance comedy story!!

This book kept me entertained and the banter between her and her genie was very cute and flirty, but I also felt like not a lot happened in the book.
I think the boyfriend storyline kind of dragged on, but it was a good book.

This book reminded me of Aladdin if him and genie fell in love with each other. She made a wish that got her a job, which is similar to what Aladdin did. I would say that if you want a light, fluffy romance, this is the book for you.

The first thing that caught my attention was the cover, and the fact that the story is set in New York City immediately made me want to dive in. It has the kind of light, cozy atmosphere that's perfect when you're looking for an easy, feel good escape with a touch of magic.

The writing is smooth and engaging, making it easy to settle into Scarlet's world. I found her ambitions and frustrations relatable, especially her desire to finally be recognized for her hard work. At times, I wanted her to trust herself a little more, but watching her navigate unexpected responsibilities and magical chaos made her journey feel genuine.

The romance takes its time to develop, leaning more toward lingering glances, quiet moments, and growing chemistry than sweeping declarations. While I usually prefer a bit more momentum in the romantic storyline, I appreciated the gradual emotional connection that unfolded. The love triangle wasn't my favorite element, largely because one of the love interests never quite won me over, but it didn't take away from the overall charm of the story.

The pacing started a little slower than I expected, but once the premise was fully in motion, the story moved along at an enjoyable pace. I also found myself wishing some of the more unique ideas, particularly the magical elements and the deeper questions about ambition, fulfillment, and what we truly wish for, had been explored even further, because they added an interesting layer to the story.

The Problem with Wishes is a warm, whimsical romantic comedy that's easy to get through and leaves you smiling. If you're looking for a quick, cozy read with workplace drama, magical realism, slow building romance, and a charming New York City setting, this is one worth adding to your TBR.

This was a fun play on the whole genie genre but was largely predictable unfortunately. It would have been rated higher if I hadn't guessed the entire storyline before it happened. I had a good time with it because I could empathize with the FMC not being sure what she wanted out of life. That being said, I would still recommend this book as a quick, fun read than will leave you with warm fuzzies afterward.

Three wishes from one hot Genie, Sahir.

Scarlet is passed up on promotion to someone who has been at Velvet for 2 years vs her 10. Her boss gives her a project to work on to make up for her lack of promotion. A perfume campaign.. but little does she know, this perfume houses a Genie to grant her three wishes.

It’s giving pretty much every movie with a genie.

I think it is safe to say that we are all pretty familiar with how these things go down. The first wish is used for her job and I did like how it was handled. Usually a wish to make someone disappear or “have their life” had me thinking that her boss just never existed. But nope that’s not the route this genie took and I can honestly say I appreciate it being something I didn’t expect.

As we move through the story I feel like we just looking at glimpses of Scarlett’s life vs anything really meaningful happening.. from dating and her job and the re housewives… that pretty much sums up the story.

I think my favorite character in this is Sahir. He just adds much more to the story and I just genuinely enjoyed his character.

This story is pretty “cookie cutter” when it comes to romances. It’s clear to see how the story is going to end from the beginning but I will say that it had me thinking throughout.

You know when you a little girl and you keep imagining the genie will come out from an old lamp, well after a disappointing day at work after been passion on from promotion Scarlet goes home with a pity assignment, research on a new perfume from Dubai, weirdly the perfume bottle comes with a key and then there is a men in her kitchen...she was dreaming right... or was it all the alcohol...or was he a real genie well ready or not Sahir is here and there he is everywhere . I loved how the story develop in the book and of course a good book will not be a good book with at least one annoying charter Ethan the boyfriend, then finance and the title that suited him best her ex.

This was such a fun and charming romantic comedy with just the right amount of magical realism. The whimsical cover art immediately drew me in and perfectly captured the escapist feel of the story.

One of my favorite aspects was the struggle surrounding the wishes. I enjoyed reading about Scarlet's struggle with the temptation of having wishes at her fingertips and discovering that each wish comes with consequences she didn't anticipate. Rather than taking the easy path, I liked how the story explored how ambition, relationships, and personal growth becomes more complicated when magic enters the picture.

Sahir, the genie, added charm and chemistry to the story and I liked that their relationship developed along Scarlet's journey of figuring out what she really wanted in both her career and her personal life. The blend of workplace challenges, humor, and magical realism kept me turning the pages.

If you are looking for a fun, lighthearted read with a touch of fantasy along with a reminder to be careful what you wish for, The Problem with Wishes is an enjoyable escape.

The Problem with Wishes was a sweet, quick read. A woman, disappointed after being turned down for a much deserved promotion, gets thrown into a world with a new and unique opportunity. This story is ultimately about how not everything you wish for is what you truly need and the unexpected ways in which life can work out. I do have to say, Ethan was insufferable and Sahir was a gem. Hazel did a great job bringing the chemistry alive between Scarlett and Sahir. Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel for the ARC!

I was hooked from the beginning. Scarlett, the main character, is striving to further her career. Her ambition to do so while doubting her capabilities and worthiness is something I know I relate to and I’m sure many others can too. I love that the author didn’t make her this perfect person. She has flaws and makes mistakes and has failures. I adore the relationship between her and Sahir. A slow burn romance always gets me. This one is for my girlies who love a build up to happy ever after with humor dotted through out.

Honestly, this book is more of a 4.5.
I really like the development of the FMC over the course of this book. It isn't immediate, it mirrors what you would see in the real world and that was very gratifying and frustrating at the same time.
I deeply understand what the FMC was going through when her "boyfriend" asked her to take a step back from her career so she could support his and while there was no big dramatic moment where the guy gets his comeuppance, it was handled with quiet grace.
I think this book was written very well in the fact that it was easy to read and understand. There might have been a couple of pop-culture elements that people might not have gotten (I had to look up one) but that was all early on in the beginning and didn't detract from the overall book.
I thought the plot was great and very well paced.
The romance is an interesting one. It was everything a slow burn needed and it paid off in the end. The tension is palpable throughout and it creates such a feeling from the audience perspective.
I liked the characters, they were very true to themselves and did not make irrational or confusing decisions that did not align with who they are.

Again, I just felt like this was a super fun book!!

Did i read the book in 2 days? yes. Was it a 5-star-read? no.
Honestly i really liked the idea, i just wish (pun intended) that the story was more magical and less mundane?
I'd like to believe that our generation would act differently about seeing magic than Scarlett did.
We are all human, we make mistakes and we are selfish, i get that.
I just hoped the story wouldn*t be so "flat".

Other than that, a cute and a quick story, very "bingeable".

It was such a delightful surprise and an incredibly enjoyable read. What initially drew me in was the charming premise of a genie appearing from a perfume bottle, but what kept me turning the pages was the heart behind the story. The blend of magic, romance, and self discovery felt refreshing, and I found myself completely invested in Scarlet’s journey from the very beginning.

Scarlet is a character many readers will relate to. After being overlooked for a promotion she has worked hard for, while also dealing with a boyfriend who seems more committed to his schedule than to their relationship, she feels stuck and undervalued. Her frustrations, anxieties, and desire for stability felt realistic and authentic. Watching her navigate disappointment while slowly learning to recognize her own worth made her growth especially satisfying.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was Sahir. He is far more than a magical genie who grants wishes; he becomes a source of wisdom, encouragement, and honest perspective for Scarlet. Their relationship develops naturally through friendship, trust, and genuine companionship, which made the romance feel heartfelt rather than rushed. I especially appreciated how he challenged Scarlet to think about what she truly wanted instead of simply giving her everything she wished for.

The story also delivers a thoughtful message about ambition, happiness, and the difference between what we think we want and what we actually need. The magical elements add plenty of humor and chaos, but they never overshadow the emotional depth of the novel. The workplace setting, the New York atmosphere, and the lessons Scarlet learns along the way all contribute to a story that is both entertaining and meaningful.

Overall, it is a cozy, uplifting romcom with memorable characters, a touch of magic, and a lot of heart. It is the kind of book that leaves you smiling while also giving you something to think about. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy lighthearted romance, character growth, and stories that remind us that sometimes the best things in life are right in front of us all along.

Thank you Netgalley and Hazel for the reader copy.