Part of Selcouth
First published 2025
Andromeda "Annie" Wildwood has crafted herself into witch perfection through nightly hex potions and relentless people pleasing. Her coven assigns her to mentor Maeve, an orphaned teenager struggling to control her emerging magical abilities. They arrive at what Annie expects to be a pleasant retreat but find a rundown cabin instead. The headstrong Maeve clashes with Annie's need to maintain control and harmony. Their fragile progress shatters when the cabin's owner returns unexpectedly. This gruff warlock never agreed to house Annie and her difficult charge. As the three begin to form unexpected bonds, Annie faces a troubling realization. Her pursuit of perfection has trapped her in isolation. Everything she built appears flawless from outside, yet feels hollow within. She must choose between the safety of pleasing others and the risk of discovering who she truly wants to become.
Genres: literary-fiction, coming-of-age, fantasy, dark-fantasy, contemporary-romance
Vibes: character-driven, emotional, intimate, introspective, transformative
Tropes: forced-proximity, found-family, grumpy-mentor, self-acceptance
Setting: cabin
384 pages · Paperback · Ace