Leigh Goff

Writing Enchanting Ever-Afters

Tag Archives: Romance


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Fall Girl Dinner with a Southern Sip

There’s something about autumn evenings that calls for low-effort magic—the kind where you assemble a plate of seasonal snacks, mix a proper Southern cocktail, light a candle, and listen to a story that feels as layered and mysterious as the changing leaves.

Enter my perfect fall girl dinner, designed to pair with Koush Hollow. Picture this–a simple cheese boardwith:

  • Crisp apple slices (Honeycrisp or whatever’s local and in season) 
  • A wedge of creamy brie with a drizzle of honey
  • Thick slices of warm, crusty bread 
  • A scoop of toasted pecans with dark chocolate chips 
  • Handful of dried cranberries for that sweet-tart pop

No cooking required beyond a quick toast of the nuts, if you’re feeling fancy. Just assemble while listening to the audio version of Koush Hollow.  

The cocktail:

Hollow Harvest
In a rocks glass filled with ice, stir together: 

  • 2 oz bourbon 
  • 3 oz fresh apple cider 
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice 
  • ½ oz honey (or maple syrup) 
  • A dash of Angostura or cinnamon bitters

Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. It’s crisp, lightly spiced, and just mysterious enough.

Why does this pair so perfectly with the book? 

Jenna’s world is full of glittering secrets, bayou mysticism, and the uneasy beauty of a Southern town where nothing is quite as it seems. The dinner mirrors that vibe—simple on the surface, but with rich, contrasting flavors that linger. The crisp apples and earthy pecans nod to the natural world Jenna fights for, while the creamy cheese, hint of sweetness, and smoky-sweet bourbon cocktail echo the seductive pull of the Diamonds & Pearls. It’s the kind of plate (and glass) you can linger over while the story unfolds, perfect for those pages where the atmosphere thickens, and the truth starts to surface. BUY LINK

So dim the lights, queue up the book, and dig into both the snacks, the sip, and the story. Koush Hollow is waiting—along with its witches, secrets, and bayou magic.

Happy reading/listening (and sipping),

Leigh


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Autumn Magic in a Cup✨

There’s something spellbinding about the first crisp autumn afternoon. The air turns cooler, golden leaves crunch underfoot, and the only acceptable thing to do is to curl up with a steaming pumpkin spice latte while the world outside softens into that dreamy, half-enchanted haze.

That’s exactly the mood Disenchanted was made for. 

In Leigh Goff’s YA novel, sixteen-year-old Sophie carries the weight of a powerful witch bloodline she’s desperate to hide—until a dangerous encounter pulls her into forbidden territory, dark family secrets, and a love that could cost her everything. It’s witches, curses, ancestral magic, and that delicious tension of wanting someone you’re not supposed to want. Perfect fuel for those of us who live for stories that feel both cozy and a little dangerous. 

Picture this ideal fall ritual: 

  • A pumpkin spice latte (or oat-milk chai if you’re feeling fancy) cradled in both hands 
  • Oversized sweater that somehow smells like cinnamon and old books 
  • Soft fairy lights or a single candle flickering nearby 
  • Maybe a playlist of gentle indie folk or rainy-day piano 
  • And Disenchanted open on your lap or Kindle

Other ethereal fall favorites that pair beautifully — a walk through a golden-leafed park at dusk, cinnamon-sugar apple cider donuts, fuzzy socks that match the season’s mood, journaling under string lights, or simply staring out the window while the world turns amber. These small, sensory pleasures make the magic on the page feel even more alive.

Whether you’re thirteen and discovering your first witchy romance or older and still chasing that same flutter of enchanted possibility, Disenchanted delivers the perfect autumn escape—equal parts heart, heritage, and quiet defiance.

Grab your paperback or e-book copy here: Disenchanted

This season, treat yourself to the full ritual. Pumpkin spice in one hand, a story that lingers in the other. You deserve a little enchantment.


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Why August Feels Like the Most Enchanted Month

August hits different. The sun is still blazing, but there’s a shift in the air—like the world is whispering secrets right before everything changes. Summer isn’t quite over, yet fall is already casting its shadow. It’s the ultimate liminal month, and if you ask me, it’s pure witchy magic.

First, there’s the golden-hour glow. The light gets thicker, almost honeyed, turning ordinary backyards into magical realms. Late-summer storms roll in with dramatic flair, thunder cracking like spells being cast. Then comes the harvest energy—Lammas vibes on August 1, when traditions say the first loaves are baked and the veil feels just a little thinner. Even the nights start stretching, hinting that cozy, mysterious season is coming.

And don’t forget that back-to-school electricity. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, fresh starts… it’s basically ritual preparation. You’re shedding your summer skin and stepping into a new chapter, which is exactly what magic is all about—transformation.

This is precisely why August is the perfect time to dive into DISENCHANTED, my YA fantasy novel. In a world where enchantments rule and star-crossed love runs deep, my protagonist, Sophie, discovers that breaking free of a true love curse is harder than it seems. And similar to Sophie’s magic, sometimes the enchantments dissipate when you least expect it, like when the season shifts—when the light changes and you’re forced to see things as they really are. August captures that exact moment: the beautiful, uneasy, exciting space between what was and what’s next.

If you’re craving a story full of hidden magic, reluctant heroes, and a swoony romance, DISENCHANTED is your late-summer spell. Perfect for reading on a warm evening when the crickets are loud, and the sky still holds that last bit of light.

Grab a copy here, light a candle (or just turn on your reading lamp), and let August work its witchy charm on you before the leaves start turning! ✨


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End of Summer Checklist: Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin

Summer is slipping away like fireflies at dusk—make these final weeks count. Before the books pile up and the alarm clocks return, carve out time for joy, mystery, and gentle self-care. Here’s your enchanted end-of-summer checklist.

✨ Magic

  • Watch the sunrise or sunset with intention—journal what you want to release and what you want to call in for the new semester.
  • Take a full-moon walk and whisper your dreams to the night sky.
  • Read Disenchanted, Bewitching Hannah, and Koush Hollow—these spellbinding stories are the perfect bridge between summer magic and academic focus. Aim to finish all three before syllabi land in your inbox. BUY LINK

❤️ Romance

  • Plan a dreamy date night: picnic under the stars, stargazing with a loved one, or a sunset drive with the perfect playlist.
  • Write a love letter (to yourself or someone special) sealed with wax and a pressed flower.
  • Dance barefoot in the grass or living room with your summer fling to slow, sultry music—no audience required.

🧖‍♀️ Renewal

  • Declutter your space and wardrobe—make room for fresh energy and cozy fall layers.
  • Treat yourself to a DIY spa day: face mask, herbal bath, and your favorite playlist.
  • Meal prep nourishing foods and hydrate like the magical being you are.

Print this list, check it off with colorful pens, and savor every golden moment. Summer’s end isn’t goodbye—it’s a soft transition into a new chapter filled with possibility. You’ve got this. Now go make it memorable. 🌙


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☑️ Your Glam Girl Summer Checklist

🌞Radiant Skin Ritual— Start every morning with a full skincare moment. Apply vitamin C serum, SPF glow, and a touch of highlighter. Bonus points for a moon-charged rose quartz face roller.

🌞Witchy Wardrobe Refresh— Flowy maxi dresses, sparkly accents, delicate gold jewelry that catches the light (and maybe a few crystal pieces for that extra aura). Dress like the main character you are.

🌞Golden Hour Magic— Chase sunsets, host candlelit picnics with your closest friends, and practice a intention-setting under the stars.

🌞Slow-Burn Summer Reads— Nothing beats escaping into a spellbinding story. Add Bewitching Hannah to your stack immediately (Buy Link Below).

🌞Signature Scent & Playlist— Curate a sultry summer fragrance and a playlist full of dreamy, atmospheric tracks for those late-night drives and contemplative moments.

🌞Fierce Friendship Check-In— Plan a girls’ night filled with tarot, laughter, and deep conversations, the kind that remind you who your real allies are.

🌞Power Moves Only— Journal your goals, try something that scares you, and embrace the version of you that’s a little darker, bolder, and undeniably magnetic.

BUY LINK

One must rise. One must die.

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her life hiding the dark power stirring inside her. When an ancient prophecy awakens, her magic turns hungry and unstoppable. Thrust into a dangerous world of hidden rivals, shifting alliances, and deadly secrets, Hannah must decide who she can trust — especially when it comes to W, the breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past as shadowed as her own, he could be her salvation… or her destruction.

Glamorous, tense, and utterly spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah is the ultimate summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a powerful heroine you’ll root for from page one. If you love stories that mix glamour with dark magic and heart-pounding tension, this is your sign to grab a copy and dive in.

🌞Tag your glam witch besties and tell me which checklist item you’re doing first! Happy summer, beautiful. May your days be golden and your magic untamed✨. 


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Pack Your Bags (No Passport Needed!)✈️✨

3 Epic Magical Destinations Waiting for YOU in Books📚

Wethersfield, Connecticut – Curses, Ancient Bloodlines & Hidden Power 🏠✨First stop, a historic New England town where the past doesn’t just haunt you—it tries to control you. In Disenchanted, 16-year-old Sophie is dealing with wild, unpredictable gifts and a mysterious heirloom necklace that pulses with dangerous magic. One wrong move and centuries-old curses could destroy everything. Picture cobblestone streets hiding family secrets, haunted graveyards whispering forgotten spells, and a girl fighting to break free from her bloodline’s grip. If you love stories where history collides with explosive magic, small-town drama, and a protagonist figuring out who she really is… this is your portal. Warning: you might never want to leave.

Ready to ditch reality and dive headfirst into worlds packed with curses, secrets, and seriously powerful magic? Books are your ultimate escape ticket—zero suitcases, zero airport drama, and 100% pure adventure. If you’re craving small-town mysteries, coastal thrills, or bayou supernatural vibes, these three reads will teleport you straight into the action. Let’s go!

Annapolis, Maryland – Waterfront Magic, Rivalries & Destiny ⛵🌊⚡Next up, sail into the moody, breathtaking waterfront of Annapolis in Bewitching Hannah. Here, 16-year-old Hannah gets pulled into an ancient prophecy that could change everything. Hidden rivals, magic waking up inside her, and a high-stakes game where one wrong choice could cost her everything. Imagine kissing a star-crossed love under stormy skies, coven meetings in the shadow of the historic statehouse, and a girl discovering she’s way more powerful than she ever imagined. Fast-paced tension, beautiful maritime vibes, and that delicious “who can I even trust?” energy—this book is pure adrenaline for anyone who loves prophecies, rivalries, and swoony romance.

Koush Hollow, Louisiana – Bayou Secrets, Dark Waters & Rebel Energy 🐊🌿🔮 Last (but definitely not least), plunge into the misty, mystical bayou near New Orleans in Koush Hollow. When 16-year-old Jenna returns, she walks straight into exclusive social circles, environmental mysteries, and waters hiding way more than alligators. Beneath the Spanish moss and humid nights lies a battle for truth, power, and doing what’s right in a town built on secrets. There’s a forbidden romance, too. If you’re into rich, atmospheric worlds, strong heroines who refuse to back down, and stories where magic and real-world stakes collide—this one will pull you under (in the best way).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, some snacks, and your next favorite escape. These books don’t just tell stories—they transport you. No passport. No limits. Just pure magic. Which destination are you packing for first? Drop your pick below—I need to know! 📖🌍

BUY LINK


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SPF, Sunglasses, and Spells🔮🌴 

Don’t forget to pack some magic in your beach bag this summer!

There is nothing quite like lounging poolside or listening to the crashing waves while completely losing yourself in a world of dark secrets, forbidden romance, and dangerous spells.

Whether you are sunbathing on the sand or hiding out in the refreshing blast of the AC on a rainy afternoon, the ultimate summer escape requires a story that burns hotter than the July sun.

Lucky for you, two spellbinding, witchy YA page-turners just got a fresh relaunch and are officially ready to dominate your summer reading list in both paperback and ebook formats.

First up, toss Disenchanted into your beach bag and prepare for the ultimate summer crush dilemma. Sixteen-year-old Sophie is a powerful witch struggling to hide her chaotic gifts, but her world completely shatters when a dangerous thief attacks her for her heirloom necklace. She is saved by Alexavier Mather—who just happens to be the gorgeous descendant of the man who sent her ancestor to the gallows. Talk about a sunburn-level family feud! Alexavier is hiding a devastating secret, and to survive the summer, Sophie has to awaken the volatile magic sleeping inside her diamond charm and risking far more than just a summer heartbreak.

BUY LINK

Once you finish that novel, dive straight into the deep end with Bewitching Hannah. This gripping story plunges you into a deadly game of dark magic and hidden rivals where one must rise and one must die. As Hannah races against time, her powers awaken with a fierce, hungry edge that changes everything, making it the perfect fast-paced thrill for late-night reading by the glow of a campfire. Packed with jaw-dropping twists, intense power struggles, and high-stakes sorcery, these books are impossible to put down.

Grab your copies today in paperback to feel the pages between your fingers, or download the ebooks instantly to start reading under your beach umbrella right now! 

BUY LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

CLICK FOLLOW ON THE HOMEPAGE & JOIN THE ENCHANTED COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, NEWS, AND UPDATES!

 


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Some Curses Are Born of True Love…

What if the boy who saves your life is the one person destined to destroy you?

Something wicked is coming soon… and if you love witchy YA fantasy with forbidden romance, dark family secrets, and impossible choices, you’re going to want to hear this. 

Sixteen-year-old Sophie comes from a long line of powerful witches, but she’s barely keeping her unpredictable gifts hidden. 

That’s the least of her problems. 

When a dangerous thief tries to rip her mysterious heirloom necklace from her throat, she’s saved by the last person she’s allowed to want—Alexavier Mather, a descendant of the man who sent her ancestor to the gallows. He carries a devastating secret that could destroy them both. 

To survive, Sophie must awaken the dangerous power sleeping inside her diamond charm. But unlocking it means digging into the wicked, blood-stained pasts of both their families… and risking far more than her heart. 

Because some curses are born of true love.

And the only way to break this one might cost Sophie her soul. 

If you love:

  • Slow-burn, forbidden romance with serious tension 
  • Ancient curses and witchy lore with teeth 
  • Deep family secrets and high-stakes choices

…then keep your eyes on this space. Big news about Disenchanted is headed your way soon.

 In the meantime, I’d love to know: Would you risk everything, including your soul, for a love you’re forbidden to have? 

Drop your answer in the comments. 


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Romance Is in the Air

from Sloane Taylor

Greeting card manufacturers declared Valentine’s Day as the most romantic holiday of the year. So treat the one you love with a delicious homemade dinner that is romantic but will also satisfy your hunger on any other day of the year. It works great for company, too.

Set the mood with lots of candles, soft music, then grab your special someone by the hand and together create a beautiful night to remember.

MENU

Pork Marsala

Fettucine

Stuffed Plum Tomatoes

Parmesan Cheese

Lemon Granite

Dry White Wine – Soave

Pork Marsala

4 pork loin chops

¾ cup (90g) flour

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ tsp. (2.5ml) sage

4 tbsp. (60ml) olive oil

8 tbsp. (114g) butter

8 oz. (227g) baby Porto Bella mushrooms, halved if large

2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped fine

⅔ cup (150ml) chicken stock, not broth

⅔ cup (150ml) Marsala wine

½ cup (120ml) heavy cream at room temperature

Parsley, chopped

Preheat oven to 220°F (100°C).

Pat meat dry with paper towels. Place each chop between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a mallet or the side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound them until they are an even ¼ inch (.64cm) thick.

Combine flour, pepper, and sage in a shallow dish or paper bag. Dredge chops in flour mixture. Discard remainder.

Melt half the oil and butter in a medium-sized skillet set on medium heat. When the foam subsides add mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Spoon vegetables into a bowl and set aside.

Use the same skillet and melt remaining oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add pork. Sauté 10 – 15 minutes, until no pink remains. The time depends on meat thickness. Remove meat to a plate, tent with foil, and set in the oven.

Add stock and Marsala to the same skillet. Bring to a boil while scraping in any bits that cling to the bottom and sides of the pan. Boil for 3 – 4 minutes or until the sauce is reduced by almost half.

Reduce heat to medium. Slowly stir in cream. Heat through but do not bring to a boil.

Return pork and mushrooms to pan. Heat through 4 – 5 minutes.

Fettucine

1 package fettucine brand of your choice, fresh is best

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure you cook to al dente and no longer. Drain noodles well.

To serve lay pork in the center of a warm dinner plate. Circle with pasta. Spoon mushrooms and sauce over food. Sprinkle parsley across the top to decorate and serve immediately. Top with Parmesan and enjoy!

Stuffed Plum Tomatoes
Plum tomatoes, 1½ per person
6 fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
1 tbsp. (15ml) red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. (15ml) olive oil
¼ tsp. (1.25ml) dried oregano
¼ tsp. (1.25ml) dried basil
1 glove garlic, pressed or chopped fine

This is a good dish to prepare several hours before serving so the flavors blend. All the ingredients are to taste, so have fun and experiment.

Prepare tomatoes by cutting them in half lengthwise and scooping clean. Turn upside down on a paper towel to drain.

Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Scoop filling into the tomato halves. Arrange them on individual dishes. Chill until ready to serve.

Lemon Granite – Flavored Ice

2 cups (450ml) water

¾ cup (90g) sugar

1 cup (225) fresh lemon juice

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Stir only until sugar dissolves. Timing from the moment the sugar water begins to boil, cook mixture for exactly 5 minutes. With this method you have created a simple syrup. Remove pan from heat and allow syrup to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, stir lemon juice into syrup. Pour mixture into a shallow metal pan.

Freeze granite for 3 to 4 hours. Every 30 minutes, stir and scrape in the ice particles that form on the sides and bottom of pan. The granite should be a fine, snowy texture. For a coarser texture, which I prefer, freeze flavored syrup in ice cube trays until solid, then drop cubes into a plastic bag and smash with a heavy spoon or mallet.

May you enjoy all the days of your life filled with good friends, laughter, and seated around a well-laden table!

Sloane

Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.

Taylor’s cookbooks, Date Night Dinners, Summer Sizzle, Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire and Date Night Dinners Italian Style are released by Toque & Dagger Publishing and available at all book vendors.

Excerpts from her books and free reads can be found on her website, blog, and her Amazon Author Page. Connect with Taylor on Facebook and Twitter.


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Moonlit Manifestations: Make 2026 Your Best Year Ever

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, imagine channeling your inner witch from those captivating YA novels like Disenchanted and Bewitching Hannah. Think brewing potions of confidence and casting spells of self-love under a full moon.

This year, empowerment isn’t about rigid resolutions, it’s about infusing magic into your glow-up journey. Picture yourself as the protagonist in your own story, wielding crystals and affirmations like wands to banish doubts and summon abundance. By embracing these whimsical, witchy practices, you’ll not only level up your vibe but transform 2026 into your most enchanted chapter yet, filled with growth, joy, and unapologetic power.

Start with ritualistic intention-setting, a staple in any teen witch’s grimoire. Grab a journal (your modern spellbook) and, by candlelight, jot down your dreams as if scripting a powerful incantation. Add a twist by incorporating herbs like lavender for calm or rosemary for clarity, sprinkling them over your pages or brewing them into a tea to drink while you write. This isn’t just goal-setting, it’s manifesting with flair.

For a fun glow-up boost, create a “glamour spell” by mixing natural ingredients into DIY face masks or body scrubs, visualizing your skin and spirit radiating from within. These small, magical acts build momentum, turning everyday routines into empowering adventures that make you feel unstoppable.

Dive deeper into self-empowerment with crystals, those shimmering allies from YA lore like Sophie’s powerful, red diamond bloodcharm in Disenchanted. Carry amethyst for intuition or rose quartz for heart-healing in a pouch, treating them like talismans against negativity.

To glow-up physically, enchant your workouts by imagining them as potion-mixing sessions. Yoga flows become fluid spells for flexibility and runs turn into quests for endurance. This playful approach shifts exercise from chore to charm, fostering a body-positive mindset that celebrates your unique magic.

Finally, seal your empowered year with communal magic, even if it’s just you and your reflections. Share your “witchy wins” on a vision board adorned with moon phases and tarot-inspired art, tracking progress like chapters in your novel. Remember, true power comes from within, so forgive slip-ups as plot twists that build character. By weaving these fun, teen-witch-inspired practices into your life, you’ll not only glow up but craft a narrative where you’re the hero—confident, resilient, and ready to conquer whatever enchantments 2026 brings. Here’s to your best year yet, spellbound and sparkling!

If you’re looking for the perfect New Year’s read with a kiss of romance, check out Disenchanted! (You can see Sophie wearing her diamond bloodcharm necklace on the cover!)

Disenchanted

Meet Sophie Goodchild, a young witch entangled in a centuries-old curse that has haunted her true love’s family for generations. Join Sophie on a thrilling adventure as she navigates a world of curses, enchantments, and star-crossed romance, where the lines between magic and reality blur. Disenchanted is a heartwarming exploration of the human experience. With its unique blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this book will cast a spell on your heart and leave you enchanted from start to finish.

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