First published 2026
Pippa Ainsley watches her witch business crumble as customers flock to the new DIY magic shop across town. Desperate clients now buy cheap crystals instead of paying for her professional magical services. When her best friend asks her to check his new bed and breakfast for ghosts, Pippa expects a routine cleansing job. But Elle Thompson, the gorgeous co-owner, surprises her with an unusual request. Elle wants Pippa to create haunting effects, not remove them. The artificial spirits would give their B&B a competitive edge in the tourism market. Pippa knows the experimental magic could work, but the risks make her hesitate. Elle keeps pushing, and the money could rescue Pippa's failing practice. As Pippa tests dangerous new spells, she struggles with her growing feelings for Elle. The attraction complicates everything, especially when Elle's hidden pain starts to surface. Pippa must choose between safe magic and financial survival, between professional distance and opening her heart.
Genres: fiction, fantasy, adult, adult-fiction, contemporary-romance
Vibes: character-driven, emotional, intimate, romantic, slow-burn
Tropes: emotional-conflict, forced-proximity, friends-to-lovers, slow-burn
Period: 21st-century
384 pages · Paperback · Berkley