Member Reviews
Witches are the main characters I didn't know I needed in my rom coms. As a fairly strict contemporary romance reader--absolutely no fantasy or sci fi, and historical only occasionally--I decided last year to give books like The Ex Hex and Payback's a Witch a try. And I'm so glad I did! Both series intertwine love and adventure beautifully, with a dash of magic that somehow seems believable and approachable.
In this book, wild child Gwyn is holding down the fort in Graves Glen while her aunt and sister are away. But when an old college friend and her annoying brother-in-law come to town, it creates more chaos and sexual tension than she was prepared for. Determined to handle things on her own, Gwyn teams up with her brother-in-law to find the source of disarray in town. Of course the line between love and hate is a fine one?
Just like the first, I love this book--maybe even more. It was exactly what I needed, in its excitement yet romance and the perfect conclusion. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!
Thanks to Avon for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyage and Netgalley for giving me this ARC of The Kiss Curse in exchange for an honest review!
I will start off with how much I enjoyed The Kiss Curse. I felt like it was such a fun and easy read and it really helped me kick into “autumn” mode. I love fall and it’s my favorite season. I love all things spoopy and this book was such a fun read! There was steam and I just also loved the pining and humor. Soo excited for all of my friends to read this!! It was so cute!
📖My Thoughts📖
This was my second book by Erin Sterling and I loved it just as much as I loved the first one, if not more. This was a fun, entertaining and quick read. I enjoy books involving witches as well as rom-coms, so throw the two together and it’s a match made in heaven. To me there was the perfect amount of romance, conflict, magic, smut and twists. This was the sequel to The Ex Hex, but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed revisiting the people of Graves Glen and even meeting some new people. I know this book hasn’t even come out yet, but I’m already anxious for another one! Erin Sterling is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. If you’re looking for a good light enjoyable rom-com this fall, I highly recommend you pick this one up. Falls a coming and it’s time to get your witch on!
Thank you Netgalley, Erin Sterling and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I LOVED this one. It's even better than the first, which I also adored. This follows Vivi's cousin, Gwyn, and Rhys's brother, Wells. While Vivi and Rhys are finally going on their honeymoon, Gwyn and Wells hold down Grave's Glen. A new coven of witches comes to town the same time Gwyn starts losing her magic. It's up the two to figure out why, and how to stop it.
The writing was fun and easy. I love the banter between Gwyn and Wells. This books feels like a warm, autumn hug, and one that I will want to read every year to follow in October!
Thank you so much for this one NetGalley!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the eARC of The Kiss Curse (The Ex Hex, #2) in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly loved it.
Qwyn Jones & Wells Penhollow... are you kidding me? I didn't think that Erin Sterling could top the fun, atmospheric, and hot The Ex Hex but I am happy to be proved wrong. The Kiss Curse was fun, not quite as atmospheric, and hotter. Are you looking for a rom-com about witches? The Kiss Curse is what you are looking for this fall. Enemies to lovers. THE LONGING! The talking cat! The banter! I didn't want to put it down.
Do yourself a favor, if you are looking for a light and fun read this fall, add The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse to your TBR. The mysteries will keep you guessing and the romances will provide plenty of serotonin. The mystery wrap ups and action scenes could use-- more. There's a lot of potential for more action. But the romance is ON POINT- swooning, longing, butterflies, and characters who are fun to cheer for. Steam level is at a 3/5. Not super graphic, by any means but well done. The banter is great with definite laugh out loud moments. 4/5 stars. I will be buying my own copy on September 20th.
PLEASE NOTE: I will add this review to Amazon and Instagram closer to its release date. It is on GoodReads now.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Kiss Curse” by Erin Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
✈️ to: Georgia
"The Kiss Curse" is the sequel to "The Ex Hex," but told from the perspectives of witch Gwyn Jones (Vivi's cousin) and Wells Penhallow. If you haven't read the first book, I highly recommend not reading this review.
That being said, I enjoyed "The Kiss Curse" substantially more than I did its predecessor. When I tell you this book made me PINE for fall. It was the perfect autumnal comfort read. I loved sassy, quirky Gwyn with her goofy talking cat (Sir Purrcival) and Halloween tchotchkes. She and the seemingly grumpy/proper Wells made the perfect duo.
My only complaint might be that I thought there was going to be a bit more of villain show down. The story was building towards that, but it concluded a little too quickly. All in all, I loved this book. It's super fun, atmospheric and romantic. Sometimes that's more than enough.
In this book, we travel back to Georgia and see things from Gwyn’s point of view- and Wells when he comes along. I have conflicting feelings about this book. I enjoyed reading it, I loved that Vivi and Rhys were still around because I so enjoyed the dynamic between those three from The Ex Hex. It was a really good read HOWEVER, I do not feel like there really were any stakes in this book. You knew what was going to happen romance-wise, and it happened pretty quickly. From the magic standpoint, you knew something was amiss but it was not a big issue until you found out what happened around 90% through the book. I found myself wondering if this book would end of a cliffhanger but no, Gwyn solved everything by 94% through the book. So, I found myself reading more for the relationship dynamics between the Baby Witches and Glinda 😉 and then the Penhallows and the Joneses- AND SIR PURRCIVAL . So, if you want to read a book about the characters from The Ex Hex- read this. But, if you’re looking for stakes as high as those in the Ex Hex, this book will only deliver on those. I think it is all about managing expectations because, as I said, this is a fun read which I enjoyed.
I absolutely adored this book! Gwyn is feisty, headstrong, and all around badass. I loved the banter between her and Wells. They knew exactly which buttons to push for each other.
Gwyn’s relationship with her Baby Witches was endearing and fun. The town gave all the best quirky small town vibes I wanted. I could practically feel the crisp fall air and smell the apple cider.
If you are looking for some witchy vibes for your fall reading I can’t recommend The Kiss Curse enough.
Love it! I was hesitant because I absolutely loved The Ex Hex and didn’t want to lose my love for it with “second book syndrome” but Erin Sterling did not disappoint!
I love how even though this book was focused on different characters we still got to see the characters from the ex hex.
Gwen and Wells are spectacular together! From the irritation of one another to the chemistry they have for one another and finally stop fighting it. Chefs kiss.
Traveling back to Graves Glen for Gwyn's story in 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 was absolutely worth it! The second book in the series exceeded all of my expectations!! The romance between Wells and Gwyn was hot enough to keep you warm on a cold October night! I enjoyed the snarky banter and spicy tension in this enemies-to-lovers romance. This book had the perfect mix of everything I love - it was full of laughs, magic, friendship, family, a little healthy rivalry, some new witches, and was loaded with witchy small town Halloween goodness!
I highly recommend this one to all the witchy romance lovers out there. This will be the perfect book to start the spooky season. Be ready to grab a copy when it is released on September 20, 2022!
Thank you, Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager, for an eARC exchange for my honest opinion.
I have become quite the fan of Erin Sterling/Rachel Hawkins. She’s an absolute must read for me.
I was so excited to see she had written a second book to this series. Although I was pretty neutral on The Ex Hex, I absolutely LOVED The Kiss Curse.. I devoured it within 24 hours.. I laughed out loud several times which honestly may be my favorite part. The writing is so seamless, captivating, and makes for an easy page turner. Gwyn is stubborn, sassy, full of fire, and absolutely relatable. Wells is the perfect air of miserable to complete the grumpy sunshine trope. I cannot recommend this read enough!
Thank you to Netgalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read the ARC of the Kiss Curse in exchange for an honest review.
✨ Book Review✨
The Kiss Curse
Erin Sterling
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
“Not big gestures. Just you. All of you. The disaster bits and the parts that say words like ‘henceforth.’”
🪄 Blurb:
The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.
💭 Thoughts:
I loved The Ex Hex and was so excited to read the second book in the series. It did not disappoint. The Kiss Curse can be a stand alone, but don’t miss out on The Ex Hex.
I think I love Gwyn and Wells more than I loved Vivi and Rhys. I didn’t think that would be possible. Wells is so swoony. Where can I sign up for my own sweet, intellectual, dinner making, beard wearing witch?! The enemies to lovers aspect of this book made for some great banter. I’m so glad they got there HEA!
Sir Purrcival is the cutest. Who doesn’t love a treat obsessed, talking cat. Don’t skip over the acknowledgment section for this book, the author includes a meaningful reference to Sir Purrcival!
I enjoyed the baby witches, Sam, Parker, and Cait. I thought it was cute that they called Gwyn, Glinda. Their antics definitely added to the story.
If you are looking for a fun, lighthearted read, I highly recommend grabbing this one! You will fall in love with Gwyn, Wells, and the whole Graves Glen crew of characters all over again!
Thank you @netgalley, @avonbooks, and @erinsterlingbooks for the advanced copy to read and review.
I enjoyed this one much more than I did The Ex Hex! Gwen is such a great MC, she is funny, smart and so loveable. I love that she got her own story! We are back in Graves Glen for this sequel, you have enemies to lovers, a mystery, and some laughs. All around a fun read with all the Halloween vibes and a little spice! Wickedly wonderful! Publishing date is 9.20.22, thanks Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Just like The Ex Hex, this book was a cozy, lighthearted romcom with a dash of witchy magic. It was humorous and charming, and the perfect airy read for autumn.
The magic system didn't have much depth or complexity, but personally, that's exactly why I liked it. I wanted the witchy vibes without having to exert much brain power learning a magic system. If you're looking for a book that prioritizes the romance and vibes over the fantasy elements, this one's for you.
The romance was sweet, but nothing exceptional. It had rivals-to-lovers and a slight grumpy/sunshine dynamic, though it moved past the "I don't like you stage" fairly quickly.
Overall, this will be a fun fall read.
First off, thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this wonderful ARC. The vibe throughout this entire book was very Halloween and I was living for it! The setting was so great and really immersive. We follow Gwyn in this book (vivi’s cousin) and really see her manage the witchcraft store. We also get to see Rhy’s brother Wells who is back in Graves Glen. Gwyn and Wells are rivals that do NOT get along. Too bad they have shops close to one another, yikes! And we get to follow their banter back and forth which was fun. There’s a new coven in town and it’s Gwyn’s duty to make sure there is no funny business while her cousin is away. If you like a touristy Halloween town then this may be for you. Such a fun read!
It’s so nice when a sequel lives up to it’s predecessor! The Kiss Curse continues where the Ex Hex leaves off but now following to story of Gwyn. Vivi and Rhys head off on their honeymoon leaving Gwyn in charge of the town. Rhys’ brother Wells shows up and the magical sparks start to fly.
Another light hearted, hot witchy rom com to spark up the Fall!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
The Kiss Curse is the second in a series about witches in a small town. It gives off Gilmore Girls with magic vibes and I loved it.
This is following Gwyn, Vivi’s bold and stubborn cousin, and Wells, Rhys’s stuffy and standoffish brother. The banter in this was just as good as it was in The Ex Hex, and my same criticisms from that book apply here. The pacing felt a little off and it seemed to wrap up way too quickly at the end. I did adore the side characters- the Baby Witches Sam, Cait and Parker. I also wasn’t super annoyed by the third act conflict. I felt it was appropriate and handled like maturely.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a 4 ⭐️ for me and I would gladly continue to read more of Erin Sterling/Rachel Hawkin’s romances.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I was so excited when I got this eARC from NetGalley. I absolutely loved the ex hex and couldn’t wait to read more about the characters in Graves Glen.
I loved seeing more of Gwyn she was one of my favorites in the first one and her story was just so fun and I loved every second of it, I couldn’t imagine a better person for her but Jones.
He maybe the brooding guy with a similar shop across the street but he is so much and I love his connection with Gwyn, the way it grew into something more.
The speed of everything and the way the story progresses is pretty similar to how the first one went; but I still loved every second of it. I can’t wait to see what couple comes next. I have a feeling I will be visiting Graves Glen every Halloween from now on.
This book was a really fun and cute read. I loved the focus on Gwyn and Wells this time! Gwyn Jones is a powerful witch, a mentor, fierce friend and the most lovable form of quirky. Wells is the Welsh witch, powerful, brooding, and wants to start a new chapter in his life in Graves Glenn. These two are at odds with each other from the beginning and now competitors with rival magic shops in a small town.
I enjoyed the teasing, flirting, and the supporting characters in this one. Also enjoyed the appearances of Rhys and Vivi from The Ex Hex too. Fun read!
Business enemies, grumpy x sunshine, magical shenanigans and investigation partners, this is one heck of a read! The story is the second novel in the series and features characters from the first book The Ex Hex ( though I don’t think you have to read the first one to actually get through this one but it does make the reading experience more enjoyable). Gwyn Jones is happy with her life in Graves Glen, she’s got her own magic shop, an amazing best friend/cousin, and she’s started mentoring some young witches in town. However there’s only one thing that irritates her... or rather one person, and his name is Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow... and he’s just come back into town... and opened up a rival witch store across from hers. Wells is Gwyn’s cousin’s husband’s brother and Gwyn has had a bone to pick with him ever since he showed off and corrected her back in college and he never came to her cousin’s wedding. Wells on the other hand has come back to Grave Glens to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded and to get a new start from himself after years of being the dutiful son running a pub in Wales for his father. Wells wants to find a place to be happy in, to find a place to call home but the first thing he comes into town to is Gwyn throwing a bachelorette party in his house... or rather the house his brother lent her. From the moment they meet there are sparks, albeit Gwyn can’t stand him and Wells is equally willing to go to war with Gwyn. Yet all their banter and arguments and teasing is starting to spark something more and when they share an accidental but very steamy kiss things start to heat up, yet with new witches coming back in town, Gwyn’s magic disappearing, and dark magic and artifacts on the loose Gwyn and Wells will have to team up to solve this mystery as well as solve whatever is going on between them,. I have to say, i absolutely loved this one, I definitely loved Gwyn and Wells’s chemistry and they made such an adorable couple. I’d even go as far to say I loved this one more than the first one, and honestly i can’t wait to read the next book ( crossing my fingers we get a Bowen book because he was so much fun).
*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*