I love down bad men and Dalton was SO DOWN BAD for Ariella. Ariella is a strong FMC, guards up and independent. She starts a new job as a strength conditioning coach for an NHL team. She happens to meet Dalton at a bar but little does she know, he's the captain of the hockey team she's conditioning. In an effort to not lose her job, she and Dalton fake date, but there's nothing fake about the tension between these two.

I love that Ariella was such a strong woman in this story. She really tried to pave her own path and she knows her worth. Dalton is such a sweet MMC and really carried the southern gentleman character well. He was CHARMING. I was obsessed with how much he worshipped and respected Ariella. Together these two really complemented each other.

I had a really great time reading this book and can't wait for the next story!

Thank you Berkley for an advance e-arc.

What a fun and cozy fantasy with a hint of mischief. I went in with no expectations and I think that's always the best way to go into new books. This is my first Keshe Chow book and I really love the sass they bring to their characters as well as highlighting the social issues towards BIPOC community.

Gwen is the smartest witch in her class but her rival Harrisford is proving to be more than a thorn in her side. At a constant battle to reach the top spot for the Dux award in hopes to be awarded a top job offer post graduation, Gwen and Harrisford realize they may need each other more than they think. I love the rivals to lovers trope in this story - however I felt at times their romance was very rushed. I didn't feel their connection come to a full circle moment and wished we got more tender moments between them to solidify that they both have feelings for each other. Within their respective POVs the reader can see this but as soon as the characters are placed together in a scene - it vanishes and had me questioning if these two really did feel something for one another.

I appreciated the juxtaposition of Harrisford, coming from a wealthy affluent family, albeit with his own woes of have a neglectful and sinister father figure - compared to Gwen who comes from a loving family but is like many other immigrant families dealing with sacrifice of basic needs in order to make ends meet. Gwen's motivations are fueled by wanting to take care of her family whereas Harrisford is looking to rid himself of his toxic home. In this case, it was nice to see Harrisford be forced to see Gwen's perspective the more time he spent with her and just what she was dealing with - as well as vice versa Gwen seeing Harrisford not have the same kind of loving home.

The magic in this book is really cool and how the familiar connections work between human and familiar/pet. The way magic can flow between the two and the importance of establishing the connection and trust. I loved Percy !! He is the right amount of sass in this book and added humor to the story.

Overall, I think the pacing was a bit rushed to feel fully connected to the romance and the stakes at large. The twist of the book I did not see coming and added excitement to the book as I became more invested. I do look forward to book 2 to see where the next adventure takes us!