I’m not a huge fan of parallel universe stories. I actually can’t remember why I picked This Spells Love, but I am so glad I did. Kate Robb makes this trope fresh and fun to read.

It is pretty obvious in the first universe that Dax has a thing for Gemma. Sometimes though when you are in it, you can’t see it. I love Dax in either universe. Dax is the character that sells me on This Spells Love. He is kind, supportive, smart, funny, and has character.

I would have given this book five stars if a part wasn’t missing from a chapter in the copy I received. Hopefully, the publisher corrects this in the published version.

I highly recommend this parallel universe story. It is a quick read that has heat, romance, and a best friend you will covet.

Gemma just got dumped by her long-term boyfriend, and during a night of drinking with her sister, aunt and her best friend Dax, a love cleansing spell is performed to avoid ever meeting her ex and hopefully from ever getting her heart broken in the first place. To complete the spell Gemma and Dax kiss in a very platonic friend's kiss, nothing more. When Gemma wakes up the next day everything in her life is different, she’s a casually dater and has never been in a long-term relationship, her once pride and joy apartment is now a basement that she shares with a spider, she owns a business which was always a once thought of dream and yet there it is and not only is it everything she ever dreamed of but it’s also very successful, but the most disastrous thing of all her best friend Dax doesn’t seem to know who she is. Now the only way she can think of to get back to her life is to recreate the spell and get Dax to kiss her, using all the knowledge she knows of Dax she sets off to make sure they become best friends again so he can help her with her plan. As she begins to execute her plan, she begins to see him in a whole new light and is starting to develop feelings for him, the more than friends’ kind of feelings and she begins to question should she even go back to her life when everything she wants is in this new life.



One thing I love about his book is the secondary characters, with any book that’s a standalone and fewer than 400 pages it's so hard to build secondary characters that are more than one dimensional and even then to get the reader to care for them more then just getting them to move the plot along, but the relationship with Gemma and her sister you can really see the way that they’ve always been there for each other and while there are moments where Gemma gets caught up in her own life to notice her sisters struggles you can see how much Gemma goes through to make sure she’s a strong reassurance presence in her sisters life just like her sisters been in hers. Even the not so kooky aunt that knows more than she lets people believe was such a fun character to read about, you can see the strong bonds these three people have and its comforting to know that even in a different timeline one thing is consistent in Gemma’s life and that’s to have these two women always in her corner.



In the biggest he was there the whole-time girl! How could you not see him? I mean this man is supporting, understanding and always there when you need him how could you not realize he was the better option, now mind you this is the Dax version that knows nothing about Gemma and only knows her as a completely random person that broke into his shop and started saying the most crazy random things to him, can you imagine how much more perfect the other version of him is? The version that knows her well and is always closing his shop because Gemma asks him to hang out on any random day.



I really liked this book. It was such a fun read, the characters were easy to connect with and the overall message of everything happens for a reason was a great overall message and it was a fun journey for the FMC to find out.

If you love friends to lovers, strong female family presence, different timeline trope, I recommend this book.



Solid four stars

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was a charming romance, I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. I do feel that it was a little more predictable than I like, and the pacing was off. The middle was slow to develop. Other than that, it is an enjoyable read!

This Spells Love amazed me in more ways than one! I didn't expect it to be so binge-worthy when I started reading it, so I was pleasantly surprised. :') Magic and chaos are two aspects that go hand-in-hand in my little brain, and therefore, I knew, this book will entertain the hell out of me. AND IT DID. If you're a fan of Gilmore Girls and love eccentric characters, you'll love reading This Spells Love just like I did.

✨ Gemma and Dax were just so wonderful together. The "what if" aspect of their friendship was the factor that made reading This Spells Love really addictive for me. Yes, while reading Friends-to-lovers romances, there's always the surety that the male and female lead are going to end up together, but I was really excited to see how the author executed that factor with the spell/magical system involved. And it was nicely done! Dax and Gemma had*sparkling* hemistry both when they friends and when they were smth more ~ and gosh, I loved seeing that. Two people who are so in tune with each other. :') Everything was really sweet and adorable, and the intrigue of "will they/won't they"the really won my heart. ❤️

✨ The side characters were just DA BOMB. Gemma's sister Kierst, her aunt, Dax's cousin and friends - EVERYONE WAS AMAZING. The diaglogue in this book, man. It was so hilarious and engaging ~ I couldn't stop laughing at some places. Some of Kierst's one-liners delighted me to no end. I loved her so much 😭 She was just the best. It felt really wholesome to see how the side-characters helped Gemma and Dax in countless ways. I'll never get tired of books that are both heavy on the friendship and romance plot. I wanted to see a bit more development from Gemma's side, and that wasn't possible due to the rushed ending. Other than these two aspects, I absolutely loved reading This Spells Love. 4.25/5 ✨

✨ If you're a romance or contemporary reader who is new to fantasies, I'll definitely recommend trying This Spells Love. I think the book also falls under the Magical Realism genre, so I think it would be a perfect intro to Fantasy too!

This was an entertaining "light fantasy" romance novel that plays with the concept of dual timelines. I enjoyed the book overall, and the tone of the author's writing in particular. She did a good job of setting the scene and really placing you in the characters' lives. There are an interesting cast of supporting characters as well. The romance was just okay for me - while it's written as a friend to lovers, it ended up feeling more like an insta-love story to me. There just wasn't enough tension. However, if you really enjoy a feel-good type of romance written in a new sort of way that gives you some food for thought - I think you'll really enjoy this! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

This Spells Love by Kate Robb is an adorable rom com that I couldn’t put down!

Gemma is just out of a long relationship. When her sister, aunt and male best friend Dax cast a spell to help Gemma get over hehe ex, she wakes up in an alternate universe. Dax has no idea who Gemma is and she wonders if there are sparks flying.

With a bit of magical realism, Kate Robb’s debut put a spell on me. I couldn’t stop reading and was swept up in the magic of Kate and Dax. I can’t wait to read what Kate Robb writes next!

If you’re looking for a cute rom com with loveable characters, pick up This Spells Love and you’ll be smiling from page one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, The Dial Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

are you a fan of the movie 13 going on 30? if you are, i have the perfect charming romcom book for you with a sprinkle of magical realism! and with its cozy feel-good vibes, it's perfect for this time of the year!

i was so impressed with this debut novel by kate robb. it's such a fun original idea and it was executed flawlesly. also, it's set in canada! i'm not always a big fan of friends to lovers but this was done really well. and this book was so cute!!! it had me swooning, giggling and kicking my feet! i was smiling like a fool for most of the story.

gemma is the kind of person who hates when things go unplanned, she likes to know what to expect. her ex stuart felt safe, so when he breaks up with her, she's mostly upset that the future she had planned is now ruined. then she gets thrown into this alternate universe where, instead of always making the safe choices, she took more risks that led her to a very different life. but mostly, she gets to have a do-over of befriending her best friend dax. as they get to know each other again, she starts seeing him in a new light and slowly falling for him. gemma has always been scared to change her relationship with dax because she doesn't want to lose him, but in this universe, she lets herself take that risk.

dax mcguire is an amazing book boyfriend! he's so sweet and thoughtful, and he would literally drop anything with no hesitation for gemma. his chemistry and connection with her transcend any universe or timeline and i was so invested in their relationship. and the banter between those two!

i absolutely loved gemma's character growth. she starts as someone who is very predictable, but she comes to realize that, sometimes in life, taking risks pays off. gemma's relationship with her older sister kiersten was a big part of this story and their bond was beautiful. and the ending was perfect! i just wish we had more of it.

i would like to thank random house publishing, the dial press and netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gemma is a successful buyer for a cosmetics company but when her long time boyfriend dumps her, some issues in her life surge to the forefront. First there’s her best friend, Dax, who she can’t help thinking might be more than a friend. Plus her suppressed dreams of launching her own clean cosmetics line.

When she drunkenly casts a spell wishing her ex out of existence, Gemma awakes to an alternate reality where she never had a relationship with him. But it’s not the utopia she envisioned. Most importantly Dax doesn’t know her, because she’d met them both the same night. And in this alternate reality Dax is struggling and lost.

THIS SPELLS LOVE is a unique twist on rom com. Dax’s vulnerability, Gemma’s close relationship with her aunt and sister, and the Hamilton setting all elevate this story. And now I’m researching Toronto as a potential vacation getaway. #ThisSpellsLove #NetGalley

I really loved this book! A great concept and the delivery was wonderful. I loved all the characters and read this in one sitting.

It's publishing day for this debut book from Kate! This was a cute light read with a little magic, a little spice, and a whole lot of donuts!

Gemma is ready to move on from the feeling of heartbreak. Stuart was not the one yet she can't shake him. Insert random spell on a drunken night with her aunt, sister, and bestie Dax. Poof! Gemma is in an alternate version of herself where she never met Stuart, her best friend has no idea who she is, and she now has a store that used to be just a plan on paper.
She now has to make all the right moves to get Dax to trust her so that she can recreate the night of actual magic to get her back to here right life. But is this one better?

If I could wave a wand, I would wish for the alternate timeline to be shorter so that she we can see more of the blossoming love with Dax rather than a quick reunion. But we do get a reality check from Kate as Gemma is made to understand that the grass isn't always greener for everyone just because it is for you. We are each a sliver in the world and all of our interactions alter the path of those around us. We need to trust the universe!

Thank you Netgalley & Random House for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

👉🏻This book has:
•Friends To Lovers •Spell •Alternate Reality •Comedy •Slow Burn •Family Dynamic •Donuts & Coffee •Curling

🤔 Ok let’s hear your go-to bar food order. I will always order a pretzel if it’s on the menu!
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Review posted to Goodreads & Instagram today 12/5/23
Review will be added to Amazon on 12/6/23

I did not expect to love this as much as I did! Everything was so dang adorable, from the cover to Aunt Livi to the spell to Dax! The first couple chapters were a little boring and I didn’t like Gemma at first, but it got so much better!!

I really want to see this done as a movie!

The writing style was great, the characters were great, and the plot was great!

I absolutely adored This Spells Love. It was an absolutely adorable romcom with spice. I really enjoyed Gemma. Gemma experienced a break up with her 4 year longtime boyfriend. She is extremely devastated and her sister Kiersten and Aunt Livi help her drink her sorrows. Gemma also has the support of her best friend Dax. He is always there for Gemma. Gemma’s aunt owns a book store in which she finds a book with spells. They cast a spell and Gemma ends up in an alternate life. Gemma realizes that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I really loved Gemma and Dax together. I was a beautiful romance. The humor, romance, and side character were all written wonderfully. I can’t wait to read more books by Kate Robb. Thank you NetGalley for giving me this amazing opportunity.

How do you end a 4 year relationship? Obviously with margaritas, your sister, your best friend, and your aunt with a spell book. Gemma takes a chance to undo her heartbreak and ends up seeing what life would have been like without it, and the unintended consequences beyond her world. As she learns of her alternate reality and starts to see her best friend as something more, she learns to stop settling for fine and safe, and to open herself up to being there for those around her. A magical story with quirky characters, friends-to-lovers, and a little spice, I loved Kate Robb’s novel!

I received a complimentary e-galley from Random House / Dial Press and was not otherwise compensated for this review.

When Gemma is broken up with by her long term boyfriend, she is willing to do just about anything to forget him. Gemma finds herself in her aunt’s bookstore after a long night of margaritas, pizza, and heart to hearts with the opportunity to do just that. Aunt Livi has a way for her to forget Stuart. A combination of candles, chicken, and yarn are gathered in order to perform a love cleanse spell, sealed with a kiss by her best friend Dax.

Gemma wakes up the next morning in an alternate timeline where everything has changed. She’s never met her ex, but her best friend Dax has no idea who she is. Gemma finds herself racing against the moon to repeat and reverse the spell, but first she must befriend Daxon and decide if she wants to return to her other life after all.

This book is so cute!! I laughed, I felt, I loved it. Gemma is an imperfect character, but has such growth and character development. Daxon is endearing, sweet, and swoon-worthy. This book may have redeemed the friends to lovers trope for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group the for a free digital copy of this book. This is my honest review. Publication date: December 5, 2023.

"Sometimes, the best risks are the ones you make with your heart."

Oh my lord. Dax is pure golden retriever energy, and I am so here for it. I forgot how much I love friends to lovers with some unrequited love. It's all the angst! 😍😍

This was such a cute story mingled with some life lessons. I really really enjoyed this.

HELLO !!!! This was such a vibe !!!

Gemma felt comfortable with her life. At 28, things were sailing smoothly. She had good friends, a job, and a kind boyfriend who loved her- and she loved him.
Until, of course, he decides to dump her and flip her world upside down. In a quick "Girl's Night" accident, Gemma and her comfort group decide to perform a magical spell- for the laughs and giggles, of course.
But what happens when things get a little too real with the magic? What happens, when she wakes up, realising that her own (very gorgeous) best friend- Dax- doesn't even remember her? To make matters worse, she's got to find someway to steal a kiss from Dax (all while reminding herself that he is her PLATONIC BEST FRIEND) and get back to her normal life.
But magic has a really funny way of messing around.

OKAY THIS WAS HELLA CUTE BTW!!! It's soooo ....GIGGLES!! It definitely gives like....Cinderella meets Lynn Painter's "The Do-Over" in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE. I loved the plot and the idea and it was so well executed!
I loved Gemma and watching her development throughout the book. Her and Dax- both before the spell AND after? HELLO!!!! I was giggling and kicking my feet in the air constantly! It was the right amount of EVERYTHING and now I can't stop thinking about them :(
Dax is literally the love of my life, and I have never wanted a man so much before.
I loooved not only the awkwardness but the silliness of Gemma and her mission to get a kiss from Dax! It was SO silly but in a really good way? Like I couldn't stop laughing and I just...ugh. I loved it and I love them.
I'm not HUGE on friends on lovers, but this one.....this one definitely might convert me. The magic, the little element of spooky and the fluffiest romance ever.......hell YEAH.
It's a 4/5 for me though, since it DID take me a little while to really get into the vibe. I wasn't like reading it at every second of the day- it took me a WHILE to get the right vibe. but TRUST ME. She's worth it !!!!!

Kate Robb I want all your books. I'm shaking you by the shoulders!!! I LOVE THEM!!!

If you're a fan of the classic Disney fairy tale era of Cinderella and Ariel....if you're looking for a bit of spooky fun....and a For Funs and Giggles romance? This IS your book.

The Spells Love is a sassy and smart read for everyone who wonders, what would life be like if I had just made that decision.

I loved the movie Sliding Doors when I was younger. I always loved thinking, if I missed that green light, if I’d picked a different major, or class or timetable, would my life still be happening. Is there another Kayleigh out there living another version of my life? What life would that be? This Spells Love throws me into that world and I am so here for it!

Gemma and Dax are sweet, funny and relatable. I loved watching their relationship in both dimensions. Gemma is used to being in control and likes things in order. She knows what she wants and has a plan. Maybe things haven’t worked out quite how she wanted, but there’s still time. And she has her best friend, Dax. who is so perfect, and sweet and a cinnamon roll of a handsome, buff, mcdreamy man. Why isn’t she dating Dax? Oh right, because she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. Fast forward to a breakup, a messy night drinking margaritas with her sister, Dax and her quirky Aunt who convinces her to try a love spell, and suddenly she wakes up in another world, where she’s followed her career dreams, but hasn’t met her best friend yet. Suddenly the option to explore her feelings is on the table. And she needs to connect with Dax to get back to her original life. Gemma and Dax feel like friends I know and would love to hang out with and maybe have a drink too many with. They are so relatable and I adored watching them together and with their friends. The secondary cast of characters is so darn strong and funny in This Spells Love.

Kate Robb is a Canadian writer and This Spells Love is set in Hamilton, Ontario. I think this is the first book I’ve ever read set in the hammer, and I really enjoyed the small town vibes from a city just up the road from me.

This Spells Love has a light touch of magic that just glimmers over the pages of the story. It isn’t a paranormal romance, or even a witchy romcom. I think a reader who likes magic, and even ones who just love contemporary romances, will equally enjoy the story.

This Spells Love is an enchanting debut that will have you asking, what if?

I really enjoyed this twist on the time travel/sliding soors romance story. I liked the characters - just the right amount of depth. Spice level just right for me too. Definitely a debut to read!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy of this e-book.

I loved everything about this – the snappy discourse, the (sometimes aching) romance, and most of all, the unique take on magic gone wrong (but actually very right). The chemistry and gravitation between the main characters is exquisitely written and getting to see them fall in love twice was a beautiful thing.

This will be a definite purchase and re-read.

This Spells Love was a great debut about rewriting the past, second chances, and taking a risk on love.

After a rough breakup, Gemma is ready to let go of her ex and move on. After one night of too many margaritas with her sister, aunt, and best friend, she wakes up in a different reality, realizing the love-cleansing spell she and her family performed may have worked too well.

This was such a fun read! I loved how we saw so much leading up to the reality switch—we understand why Gemma was feeling the way she did, why she felt so hindered by the previous relationship, and how her friendship with Dax made her much happier. I adored the dynamic between Gemma and Dax in both realities. They were just incredibly perfect for each other, and I felt so giddy watching their relationship bloom into something romantic.

If you’re looking for a great, cozy, and romantic read this winter, definitely keep this one in mind!

3.25/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*