Enchanting Yet Quirky: A Review of Witch You Would
When I first stumbled across Witch You Would, I was drawn in by the delightful premise and the promise of Cuban representation in a cozy witchy romance. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about a broke salesgirl navigating not just financial woes but also a magical reality show? The author, Leah C. H. Acheron, weaves a tale that’s as whimsical as it is heartfelt, and I couldn’t resist diving in.
The story revolves around Penelope Delmar, a relatable and charming character, struggling to make ends meet as a salesgirl. When she gets a chance to compete on Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show, it feels like a lifeline. Paired with the not-so-spellbinding but hilariously endearing Leandro Presto, aka Gil Contreras, Penelope finds herself entangled not only in spell casting but also in a delightful dance of romance and competition.
I particularly enjoyed the dual first-person POVs, which let me peek into both Penelope’s and Gil’s minds. Their banter is sharp and real, filled with that Miami flavor that makes it feel like you’re right there beside them. One memorable moment for me was when Penelope thinks, “Magic isn’t about perfection; it’s about trying, failing, and trying again.” It resonated deeply and reminded me that life is often about the journey, not just the destination.
The writing style is casual and packed with slang, which brings a lively authenticity to the characters in their late twenties. However, I found that while this informal vibe suited the Miami setting, it occasionally made the characters feel younger than they actually are, sometimes slipping into a teen-like lingo. And speaking of magic, while the concept of a magical reality show offers plenty of entertainment, the magic system itself felt a bit underdeveloped. I was hoping for more specifics on how spells and enchantments work and found myself left wishing for a deeper dive into that enchanting world.
Despite the vagueness surrounding the magic, the pacing of the story is enjoyable. The contests are engaging and full of quirky mishaps, keeping the excitement high throughout. But I couldn’t help but feel the ending came a bit abruptly. It resolves nicely, focusing more on growth than miraculous wins, but left me pondering whether there might be a sequel in the works to explore Penelope and Gil’s world a bit further.
Overall, Witch You Would is a breezy, light read perfect for those who enjoy cozy romances with a touch of whimsy. You’ll find a diverse cast and endearing characters that are hard not to root for. If you’re in the market for something upbeat that doesn’t demand too much of you, this might be just the escape you’re looking for. Plus, the themes of personal growth and self-acceptance are beautifully woven in, making it a book that’s not just cute but also poignant.
In summary, Leah C. H. Acheron’s debut offers a delightful blend of romance, magic, and a touch of reality-show absurdity that left me enchanted overall. Though the world-building could use some extra sparkle, the charming characters and relatable themes more than make up for it. Happy reading, fellow bookworms! ✨