⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars

Sweet & Bitter Magic is about a witch who has been cursed with the inability to love and a girl who is a source of magic for others. Together they form a bargain to exchange love for working to end a plague taking over the lands.

I really liked the story. It’s a story about love, but not perse about romance. Everything in this book, every action and everything the characters did was out of love. I loved the way love was explored outside a romantic scene, how too much love can be dangerous and too little a curse.

There wasn’t much action in the book, but because of the theme I didn’t miss the action as much as I would’ve thought. I did find myself waiting for a bit of a “bang” towards the end, but it didn’t quite come. I felt like it could have been a bit grander than the way it is now. The plot is exciting and twisty. I loved the little references to classic fairytales hidden in the book. It made the book more fun to read, and the twist took me by surprise, which I enjoyed!

The romance between both girls was beautiful. It was very slow burn, where both girls truly grew closer and bonded over their inner battles. They healed together and it was beautiful to read.

The characters are really nice to read about. I would’ve liked for Wren to be a little less naïve throughout the beginning, but she was adorable and full of life still! Also, the diary entries and Tamsin’s context where repeated over and over again, which sometimes killed the tension a bit. Tamsin was a really unique character who I enjoyed reading about the most and her dynamic with Marlena really pulled me in. I loved how all the characters are complete opposite and their personalities never blur.

Overall, it was a really fun read and perfect for someone whose looking for a fresh, exciting fantasy standalone full of witches and magic!