Part of Selcouth, book 1
First published 2024
Belladonna Blackthorn works at Lunar Books while hiding her witchcraft from the world around her. Her magic feels distant, pushed aside by the daily grind of protecting her bookstore from a destructive boss. When Belle turns thirty, her coven delivers an unexpected summons. She must face a trial that will determine if she deserves to keep her magical abilities. Failure means losing her powers permanently. Belle has until Halloween to prove herself worthy, but mysterious dark forces seem determined to sabotage her efforts. She turns to the women who matter most in her life, finds guidance from a surprising mentor, and accepts reluctant help from an attractive watchman assigned to guard her. As October unfolds, Belle discovers that reclaiming her magic means first learning to value herself. This story weaves together chosen family bonds and gradual romance against an autumn backdrop, exploring how self acceptance can unlock hidden strength.
Genres: fiction, romance, fantasy, contemporary, adult
Vibes: atmospheric, autumnal, cozy, empowering, introspective, romantic
Tropes: forced-proximity, found-family, reluctant-hero, self-acceptance-arc, slow-burn-romance
Setting: Lunar Books
Period: October, Halloween
384 pages · Paperback · Ace