The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic
The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic
Charming Cove
Romance Novel, Fantasy Fiction
Bonnie Doon Press
June 2, 2023
E-Book
356
So here’s the deal—I’m a magical disaster. A witch from a family of witches, and the only one whose magic blows up in her face. Which is why I came up with my rules… 1. Never get involved with magic 2. If you must get involved, do not enter a competition to win the biggest magical fortune in England 3. And definitely don't fall for Callan Hawthorne, the sexy billionaire mage who you've hated for years So how the heck do I end up in a situation that promises to break all those rules? It's the only way to save Seaside Spells, my family’s magical potion shop. But it’s cool. When I go back home to Charming Cove—a village of ancient pubs and foul-mouthed familiars—I will totally ignore Witch Weekly’s Sexiest Man of the Year. I’ll win the competition, and if I’m lucky, I won’t turn myself into a toad in the process. This'll be fine. It’ll all be fine. Riiiight. The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic is a fun, frothy romantic comedy full of laughter, love, and magical hijinks. It’s the first in a series of stand alone romances set in the seaside village of Charming Cove.
A Funny and Sweet Magical Romance
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic is the first in a series of stand alone romances set in the magical village of Charming Cove. This book was a cute, fun, low-stakes romantic comedy set in a modern city of mages. It made me think it could be the plot of a Disney Channel movie, (Halloweentown anyone?) if the cast was adult and there was some *spice* thrown in. Except honestly, the stakes were higher in Halloweentown.
No matter what she tries, Aria’s can’t properly summon her magic and it tends to backfire on her
The main character, Aria, does have a nice character arc throughout the story as she has struggled her whole life with magic that she can’t control. She doubts her abilities and doesn’t think she has what it takes to be a mage.
In comes Callan, just your typical overly wonderful, philanthropic, self-made billionaire who is also Britain’s most powerful mage.
However, Aria has hated him for years after he bought real-estate and developed on the land that had once been special to Aria’s grandfather. l personally like my fictional men dark and broody – so he’s not my type, but Callan is great if you love that sort of guy. Clearly, Aria does because even though she hates him, and even though he’s her competition for the biggest magical fortune in England, she can’t seem to be able to get him off her mind.
I will admit though, lines like this will get me every time:
“My world had narrowed until she was the only thing in it, and I wanted to drown in her.”
*Swoon*
The book is a one-sided “enemies-to-lovers”, but I think the reason Aria hates Callan is justified from her POV. My one big dislike is the fact that when they met, Aria was 17 and he was older and into her. I give props that he left when he found out her age, but given the way he continues to think of her often after that still in his mind as a teen- it’s a bit creepy.
Honestly, the star of the book is Aria’s familiar, a badger names Boris. He is the true comedic relief of the book with his insatiable appetite and witty remarks. His presence also leads to the question: if only the strongest mages have familiars, why does Aria have one when she can’t conjure usable magic in the first place?
Overall, The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic was a cute magical romance that was a good palate cleanser after reading some darker romance recently.
Hi, I’m Rebecca! I’m a Maryland girl at heart, but currently live in South Central Pennsylvania. The greatest loves of my life are my husband, my three daughters, and our Alaskan Klee Kai, Yoshi. The best time I find to read is when my kids are busy with one of their numerous extra-curricular activities and my husband is gaming. Let me tell you, a reader and a gamer make an excellent partnership! Aside from quality time with my family, I believe my day is best spent with a good book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. My hobbies include reading books, buying books, and adding books to my TBR. And yes, those are three separate hobbies, don’t @ me. I’m obsessed with YA fantasy, extra-spicy romantasy, and everything in between. I’m insatiable when it comes to reading and if I love a book – I devour it. It becomes a part of me forever.
