Three years ago, Poppy and Riven were matched as potential soulmates, but ended the Festival of Fates being just friends.
Now, three failed Festival seasons later, Poppy is done letting magic control her love life. So, when her charming, infuriatingly handsome friend Riven enters the matching competition again, she intends to cheer him on from the sidelines—away from the Moirai, the three meddling, yet revered, match-making witches.
But Fate has other plans.
Thanks to a “minor administrative error” by the Moirai, Poppy is magically matched to Riven once again.
Stranded together on an enchantment-soaked island for a month of trials, forced proximity, and very public matchmaking, Poppy insists fake dating Riven is just a temporary fix to avoid the Moirai’s curse and help Riven save face. But between truth spells, torchlit nights, and a dangerously convincing fake relationship, feelings ignite that seem far too real.
Riven’s protectiveness turns fierce. Poppy's heart turns traitorous. And Fate whispers that maybe her three failed matches weren’t failures at all—just practice for the one man she never saw coming...again.
Tropes:
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Fake dating
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Magical matchmaking
✨ Only one bed
✨ Banter, tension, and a hero who jokes when he’s terrified
... Read moreParticipating as an ARC or BETA reader for a fantasy romance like this is an immersive experience that goes beyond just reading a manuscript. Personally, I've found that engaging with books featuring themes like magical matchmaking and forced proximity adds a thrilling layer to the reading journey because you watch the relationship evolve in real time, anticipating how the author will handle each trope.
The scenario of being stranded on a magical island with only one bed, intertwined with truth spells and curse-breaking, creates tantalizing tension. This setup not only serves as a backdrop for developing genuine emotional connection but also challenges characters to confront their feelings under extraordinary circumstances. I particularly love moments where banter masks underlying vulnerability—this dynamic brings authenticity to the romance.
From my reading experience, stories that blend fantasy elements such as matchmaking witches (the Moirai here) with relatable emotions tend to resonate deeply. They provide escapism while exploring themes like trust, fate, and second chances. If you enjoy cozy romantasy and tropes like friends-to-lovers and fake dating, this ARC offers an engaging balance of lighthearted fun and heartfelt moments.
For fellow readers interested in becoming ARC or BETA readers, this opportunity is fantastic to contribute early feedback and see how subtle nuances influence character chemistry and plot pacing. Being part of a community that loves cozy romances with magical twists makes the process even more rewarding. Ultimately, this story promises an addictive blend of love island vibes, magical errors, and heartfelt romance that fantasy readers will appreciate.