Reggie assumed the ad she answered for a Spellwork assistant had something to do with the Spellwork card game. She didn’t expect it to be acting as an assistant to a slightly dotty old woman who thinks she’s a witch. But it pays amazingly well, so Reggie is willing to put up with Dru, even if her obnoxiously cute nephew doesn’t approve of Reggie. Ben Magnus is a five hundred year old warlock who would really like his aunt not to hire a new familiar off the street, especially not one who has no idea that magic actually exists, even if she is completely adorable. Needless to say, the two of them got off on the wrong foot. However, when Dru is hit with a dangerous curse, Ben and Reggie have to work together and find that they might have more in common than they expected.
This book was a fun quick read, perfect for traveling or a beach read. Ben and Reggie aren’t quite the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, but they’re pretty close. Ben and Reggie have great chemistry and a really nice budding relationship as they get to know one another. Ben manages not to do anything to complete turn you off his character when he’s still trying to convince his aunt to choose a different familiar which was a relief. Far too often the love interest crosses a line in situations like this that turns me off the pairing, but the author managed to neatly thread the needle on this one. The supporting characters were also fantastic, and I’m looking forward to seeing one of them take center stage in the second book in the series. The world building is great as well. This is my favorite sort of cozy urban fantasy setting with a magical world existing alongside the mundane one without being too hardboiled or gritty the way a lot of urban fantasy are. I also really liked that there wasn’t a love triangle. Like I said, it’s mostly a light and fluffy read, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or filling travel hours. Three out of five stars.
