Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
5/5 stars
2/5 spice
"A spell for you to forget your ex, but what else might you lose?"
On a post-breakup drinking party with her sister, mystical aunt, and best friend Dax, Gemma tries a spell from her aunt's book wishing she never met her ex. Then she finds herself waking up in an alternate reality where things are in some aspects bad, then really great for her. But at what cost? The grass is not always greener on the other side. This is magical realism, it's whimsical friends-to-lovers, it's sisterly love, and it's a journey of self-growth, taking risks and being brave.
I would have perhaps liked there to be more of the "after" alternate reality part but it seemed like the point of the story was to be a journey of growth for FMC in acknowledging her true feelings and taking the leap of faith to not be held back by her fear in her relationship and career and becoming more independent. So the book did just that.
This charming debut novel absolutely hit it out of the park! It's easily one of my favorites this year!! Highly recommend for anyone who is into friends-to-lovers, and magical realism (but note it's not a story about magic, just makes a brief appearance by way of the premise for the story).
You can also check out this review (and many others) on my IG (@pyaarandpsych) and TikTok (@pyaar,and.psych) on Publication Day Dec 5, 2023!
I adored this book! I am always unsure of the best friends-to-lovers trope, but Kate Robb made it work so well. The fact that Gemma met Dax on the same night as Stuart, and actually met him FIRST, makes this whole story of “turning back time and choosing him” make sense.
Let me start by stating the obvious here. DAX MCGUIRE can do no wrong. He is a book boyfriend for the ages! Dax calling her “Gemma McGuire” over and over as if it were a mistake.. cue happy tears. He was my favorite character by a mile, and that comes with high praise because I truly enjoyed each secondary character as well. In particular, Gemma’s sister Kiersten is the character who, in my opinion, put most of the comedy in this rom-com. Her dialogue was phenomenal.
I found this to be such an easy, enjoyable read. It was the right amount of quirky and steamy, but if it lacked one thing, I believe it would be the magic in all of it. Yes, there was the spell that altered her life/timeline of events and there were a few subtle moments where Aunt Livi raised suspicion, but I felt like I wanted a little bit more! While I was satisfied with the happy ending between Dax and Gemma, I can’t help but question where the magic came from. Was the chemistry between them touching and the feeling she got in this alternate universe magic? Is there more to Aunt Livi? Is she a witch? I must know! Did I miss something?!
This Spells Love is a delightful friends-to-romance novel that effortlessly weaves together fun and cuteness. The story is so charming that it easily lends itself to a one-sitting read, making it a perfect escape for a cozy afternoon. The author's debut is impressive, showcasing a talent for crafting a heartwarming narrative that captures the essence of friendship evolving into something more. With its endearing characters and playful plot, This Spells Love is a must-read for anyone seeking a feel-good and engaging romantic story.
This book was so cute! After a devastating breakup, Gemma indulges her hippy aunt in a "love cleanse" spell so that she never dated her now ex.... unfortunately, that means she never became BFFs with Dax, whom she met the same night. It's so charming seeing Gemma rebuild her life in this "what if" scenario—from her trying to befriend Dax to exploring the dreams she never allowed herself to pursue otherwise. I loved the strong bond between Gemma and the people in her life—in both words—and it really kept this sweet multiversal story grounded.
This Spells Love is a cute and endearing romantic comedy. I was looking for a quick romance and this book definitely fit.
Gemma is miserable after her recent breakup. Stuart was a comfortable choice - safe and reliable - until he broke up with her. She leans on her best friend Dax in her grief - and plenty of margaritas. She starts to wish she never met Stuart in the first place. But when her New Age, quirky aunt suggests trying out a "love cleanse" spell from a recent donation to her used bookstore, Gemma find herself in a bizarre situation. She wakes up in an alternate reality where she never met Stuart - ok, that's good. The problem - she met Dax the same night she met Stuart, and in this reality Dax has no clue who she is. To reverse the spell and return to her normal life, she needs to recreate the conditions from the first time, including her drunken (yet sweet!) kiss with Dax. But after spending time with him in this reality, she starts to see Dax as more than just a friend. Does she try to keep what she's started here, or try to go back to where they really are just friends? Can she really stay just friends with Dax after this?
This book was fun and a little ridiculous - as any good rom-com should be. There were some really heartwarming moments, and few funny scenes as well. It was a quick read - I read it in one evening. While some parts were a little predictable, that is sometimes what I look for in a romance book, and it fit my mood perfectly when I read it and was exactly what I needed. The characters were loveable, Dax is wonderfully warm and sexy, and was a perfect fit for the slightly anxious and careful Gemma. The side characters including Gemma's sister Kiersten and her Aunt Livi really added a lot of heart to the story. The book explores some tough concepts like what we might sacrifice for love, and the consequences of being careful for what you wish for. I enjoyed reading this and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, quick-read, romantic comedy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback for an electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review This Spells Love by Kate Robb!
Cute, cozy, and so very quippy. If you are in the mood for all of those lovely words, with a hint of magic and a large dose of a love interest who is just head over heels for our girl, then This Spells Love will be such a fun treat!
After being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Gemma does what any of us do, get drunk with those we love....and perhaps experiment with a little witchcraft from a mysterious book. Not living in a world of witches and magic, no one thinks that this silly little drunken activity will amount to anything, that is until Gemma wakes up and discovers her world is not at all like it was when she went to sleep. No longer having spent 4 years in the safety of a dreadfully boring relationship, Gemma now gets the experience we all wish for from time to time, to experience that "what if." What if she had gone for the dream job instead of the safe one? What if she had never said yes to a date with the guy because of a suit and a 10-year plan? What if she had kissed her best friend from the very start? What happens when you get to experience if the other side's grass is really so green? Do you go, or do you stay?
I really enjoyed this read! I think one of the things Kate Robb excelled at so significantly is that this book fits fully into the romcom territory, in that it's not only romantic and sweet and cute, but legitimately funny, hell even her afterword is funny. Then on top of it, the romance is really sweet. I am not always a big fan of long-term friends to lovers, something about the years of dancing around attraction and feelings makes me feel a little stressed and antsy with a hint of sad (I say this, but I also never turn one away), but this felt like a great balance where it wasn't too drawn out, and the duo was endearing, even when there were times I wanted to roll my eyes so hard at Gemma I would lose a contact.
I also think I swooned, like literally swooned (something I was previously convinced couldn't happen outside of a ballroom, and reserved only for guests in the tightest of corsets), at one of the lines in the book. It was short, simple, not particularly explosive, but something about the scene and the line (not to mention the ending call back) gave me a huge swarm of the warm and fuzzies.
I'm going to quote it now though, so....I don't know...look away if you don't like a single drop of spoilers...
3
2
1
"Goodnight, Dax McGuire," I call to him.
"Goodnight, Gemma McGuire," he calls back.
"Slip of the tongue?"
He shrugs and smiles, "Something like that."
sigh....here I am swooning all over again!
This debut shows that some souls will always find one another, even in an alternate dimension. (And even if one of them walks into the other’s personal space and makes the weirdest impression before realizing they’ve left their own timeline.)
Dax and Gemma are best friends, but a spell gone wrong to help Gemma forget about her ex sends her into an alternate timeline where there is no Dax and Gemma. If you like magic gone wrong, but are okay with the magic not being fully explained, this may be the book for you.
This Spells Love focuses more on the character development of Gemma, a woman who has played it safe for years now. From staying with a man she could stand to lose, and a job that wasn’t her passion. Alternate Gemma’s accomplishments show what life can be if she goes after what she really wants.
Watching Gemma grow into her own dreams was a treat. Her sister and aunt are hilarious. I’d read a book about either one of them in a second. (Aunt Livi’s book club is definitely a witch coven and I stand by that.)
I read this over two days. If you enjoy romances that are:
- light, quick reads
- friends to lovers
- the “it’s-always-been-you” vibe
- no third-act breakup (they're in love in both timelines)
Then this is probably the book for you.
I hope the other Dax and Gemma found their way to one another.
Thank you so much to Random House for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Friends to lovers is not always my favorite but this was a delightful and fun romance. Although I did expect a bit more magic and whimsy given the title and marketing, and I did get a bit frustrated with the characters.
I have no words. Just LOVE for this book. Kate Robb's debut is sure to be the first of many amazing romances. What could be better than a curse, curling, and falling for the person you least expected. A million stars to Kate Robb!
I was very excited going into this book. I love time travel-type stories. However, at the beginning when I realized that it wasn't a time loop type story and Gemma had to spend a month in this alternate reality, I was a bit unsure. But I went with it and continued on.
I can honestly say that I am glad the author went that route, by allowing Gemma to exist in this new reality for a longer period of time she was able to really learn about herself and her relationships. While it did lack the comedic aspect that can come with a time loop, repeating the same day over and over antics, I thought this way was much better.
I loved the story, the characters, and the journey that Gemma and Dax went on in both realities. This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed it.
4 stars
2 spice
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing, and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I loved this book so much I don’t even know where to start my review 😭💕 I have to say this is one of my MOST favorite books I’ve ever read. I really hope the author comes out with a sequel!!
This book not only made my heart drop into my stomach on several occasions, but it also filled my heart with so much love and romance and cuteness🥰 The characters are wonderful and very likable. You can’t help but find yourself rooting for each one’s success / happily ever after.
This was my first time reading Kate Robb and I adore her writing. She pours such a perfect amount of dark/naughty humor into her writing. This book has so much to offer such a wide array of readers. Do you like to read about friends to Lovers? Check. What about sweet, crushingly cute romance? Check. Steamy intimate scenes? Definitely check. Alternate realities? Check. Magic spells? Check and check!
I’m not usually one to re-read books but this is definitely one I’ll be pulling off my bookshelf to read again in the future!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House Publishing Group for the advanced readers copy of this beautiful book!
This was fine but it also felt a bit immature at times. If you’re looking for a romance with magical realism, this is very light on the “magic” and it’s never fully explained.
3.5 stars for me!
This was such a light, fun, and cozy read that I managed to finish it in one sitting. It's got a little touch of magic, a bit of spice and a ton of charm! If you are a fan of adorable romcoms, friends-to-lovers and a few laugh out loud scenes, you'll probably enjoy this one. Great debut from Kate Robb!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book. It was a nice change of pace from some other books that I am reading and it helped me out of a month long reading slump. It’s fast paced and a cozy romance. I was expecting it to be a little more witchy themed based on the title so I was a little disappointed in that regard but other than that I have no complaints. I don’t typically like friends to lovers books but this one kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I can’t wait for this book to be released and to get a hard copy!
Thank you Random House and Netgalley for an ARC of " This Spells Love". In the last few years, I feel like rom coms have actually become a harder genre for me to enjoy. Maybe it's because I am happily married with children, but romances usually feel about 100 pages too long. This one, however, grabbed my attention immediately. The story starts with Gemma who is fresh off a break up, and her hot best friend Dax is trying to help her get over Stuart. It's apparent within the first few pages that he is obviously in love with her and she is too heartbroken to see it. In order to get over the break up, she has a night full of margartitas and magic and does a spell to forget her ex. However, since she met Dax that same night, she wakes up in an alternative universe where Dax has no idea who she is. She simultaneously is trying to get him to want to be best friends with her while also falling for him, and I loved every page of this ride.
Over all I enjoyed the book. It was a steady 3 stars on the board for me. I have posted my full review of This Spells Love at https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8AhsQtj/
“Deep down a part of me hopes that my connection with Dax is special. That it somehow transcends time and space. That there’s some weird little unbreakable thread that connects our two souls.”
Thank you to netgalley and random house for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a a fun, lighthearted romance and I had the time of my life reading it. What initially caught my eye was the plot line, following with how real and lifelike the characters were. While it is a romance, it dabbles in fantasy, with the main character, Gemma, waking up in a world where she never met her ex.
With novels such as this and movies such as eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, I think we all wonder if we could erase one person or small event from our lives, what would the consequences be? They wouldn’t always be what you expect and in the process of erasing what you may deem as bad, you may lose some of the good as well. I’m a huge fan of anything involving time travel and parallel universes- basically anything that warps space and time as we know it so this book drew me in immediately.
The pop cultures references in these were perfect, fittingly ranging from doctor who and back to the future to so many more.
I’m definitely bumping friends to lovers up my list of favorite tropes after this one. Dax, the love interest, was swoon worthy, sweet and funny and this friendship was one that could span whole worlds. (Literally)
At times, I did wish the book leaned into some of the heavier topics just a bit more. I believe this could’ve added a little more depth to Gemma’s character growth as well as the story itself. We hear a little about their absent parents and Kirsten’s her sister’s, fear of losing her identity in motherhood but I wanted just a bit more.
While I overall did like Gemma, I did find her shallow and selfish at times. She was always worrying about her own problems, and ignoring the very important lives and problems of those close to her. In the end, this was something she vowed to work on but I do believe while this character flaw made her very lifelike and real, not just some shining version of a fictional character, that I found it aggravating when she didn’t blatantly see the people in her life reaching for help, when it was so very obvious.
She also had an obsession with a perfectly curated life and a shallow relationship with money. She based her life choices (and men) on this criteria and while she always worried about her own finances, she seemed to be judging Dax who didn’t have money but was also unaware of how much he was truly struggling when it mattered. These character traits were obviously linked to her childhood trauma and abandonment from her parents, but once again, if the author had dived deeper into this trauma it would’ve been more fitting and understandable.
The ending also felt rushed to me, and I wanted it to be a little more drawn out but all in all I highly enjoyed this book, despite Gemma’s very obvious character flaws. I didn’t want to put it down and I felt an ache when it was over. I’m in awe that this is a debut novel and I can’t wait to read more books by this author. If you are a fan of Emily Henry or Ashley Poston this is the perfect book for you.
1 was in a reading slump for a few days, I love reading and not doing it made me feel weird. So I decided to read an ARC I got a few days ago and OMG! This book is beautiful I smiled so much. This quote is the perfect take from the book.
“Sometimes the best risks are the ones you make with your heart.”
I truly enjoyed this book, I loved that is set in Canada, the message is perfect! I definitely will be reading more of Kate Robb!
I loved this one! Anything time travel or alternate universe is my jam and it was handled real well for this story. The setting, the side characters (I loved the sister element so much) and plot were all good and cute. Most importantly, I think Dax is a new fav book boyfriend. So sweet, charming and hot and their relationship had my absolutely giddy!
I'm thrilled to say that this debut novel was a fantastic read! Gemma's story had me hooked from the beginning.
Gemma finds herself heartbroken and decides to try a somewhat witchy ritual to erase the day she met her ex. The twist? She also erases the memory of meeting her best friend, Dax, on that very day. When she wakes up in an alternate universe where her ex is nowhere to be found, Gemma's life takes a turn for the better in many ways. She's got a more fulfilling job, even though she's living in a basement. Her social circle has expanded, thanks to not spending the last four years with her ex, and she's managed to make her dream of opening her store come true.
But there's a catch—Dax doesn't remember her in this new reality, and it's heart-wrenching. To reconnect with him, she decides to perform the ritual again, but this time, she has to wait for a specific moon phase.
During her month-long wait, an unexpected romance blossoms between Gemma and Dax, revealing that he's had feelings for her all along. This revelation has her considering the possibility of staying in this new universe permanently.
As they say, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Gemma soon discovers that the four years she spent with her ex weren't a total waste, and her actions in this new world come with unforeseen consequences, especially for Dax.
I must mention that Dax's hilarious suspicion of Gemma being a stalker adds a delightful touch to the story. I adored Gemma and Dax's relationship. Their connection is palpable, and it's clear that they're a perfect match. Dax, in particular, is an incredibly well-crafted character. This is coming from someone who usually isn't a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, so you can imagine just how much I enjoyed this story!