Gemma's 4 year relationship with Stuart has ended. He was a bit of a dud, but she's feeling sad and unable to move forward. All the while supportive, gorgeous best friend Dax is by her side as always. Everyone can see Dax is pining for her, but Gemma doesn't. Enter Gemma's kooky aunt who helps her cast a spell to forget her ex - but instead Gemma finds herself in an alternate timeline where she and Stuart never dated... and Dax doesn't even know her. Gemma works to befriend Dax again in this alternate timeline, because she needs her best friend, but what if this time around... they dated instead of becoming just friends? I am not a friends to lovers trope lady, those are never my thing. But I absolutely loved this one. Maybe because of the alternate timeline. Maybe because Dax is so so great and ugh when he flirts and everything I melted and combusted simultaneously. Or maybe because this is the first romance where the MCs do curling. Yes, that sport with the rock thing and the sweeping. I had the best time.

This Spells Love is out December 5, 2023.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This was such a fun story to read, I really enjoyed following along with Gemma's story as she travels to an alternate universe and realizes what her life could be like if she took a few chances. Watching Gemma rewin her best friend over was adorable. I definitely found myself frustrated with Gemma in moments though when I felt she might make selfish decisions. Aunt Livi is by far my favorite character, her little words of wisdom and quirks definitely helped give this book the extra witchy vibe.

Perfect to read in the middle of October let me tell ya!! This was such a cute fun read! It started off interesting enough and the only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because SLOW BURNS are not my cup of tea! Gemma dn Dax were such cuties!!

"slip of the tongue?"
"something like that"

The storytelling was well written and I appreciate how the alternate timeline plot was executed because it was very easy to follow!! Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC <3

What if you’d turn left, instead of right?
What if you'd gone to that party you didn't want to go to?
What if you’d given your best four years to a dickhead, who actually improved your life for the better?

Gemma lives in the what-ifs of the past, present and future because, let's be honest, jumping off a cliff is scary. Maybe that cliff is just a new type of doughnut, but what if I don't like it? What if it's gonna ruin my entire day not having to take my usual one? What if I like it, but I still miss the other one?
“This Spells Love” has little less to do with me and more with us, the ones that always take the same thing at restaurants. The ones who are happy with their choice, but still regret it a little bit.

Parallel universes, alternate realities, doors to other lives… I always loved the idea of me, in another reality, doing something different with people I don't know, but still being me.
So what if I go left and not right tomorrow, after grabbing my coffee? Would I stumble into the love of my life? Would I be killed by a bus?
Yes, I relate to Gemma, especially that fear in your chest about not being able to undo something because it's too late. And what, if not love, is the biggest jump off a cliff?

The story is not as obvious as you can expect, but what sent me off was Gemma’s reluctance to express her feelings with the Dax in her timeline. I understand her hesitation, but she's been best friends with Dax for four years. She’d trade their shared memories, things they've done together, moments they've supported each other, for a new, unfamiliar version of him. And only because she didn't realize she had feelings for him.
Also, if you're looking for your next friends-to-lovers, I might contradict the summary. In Gemma’s first timeline, Dax and her have been best friends for four years; but in her other timeline, Gemma knows Dax - or, at least, she thinks to knows him -, but Dax doesn't know Gemma. They're different people, she's a stranger to him. So, kind of friends-to-lovers.

Nonetheless, I've loved every single detail of this story: the characters, the settings, the page, the descriptions, the narration, the spicy scenes.
The idea of being a totally normal story set after the pandemic.
The concept is that every choice you make matters because you chose your path, and this is always gonna be more important than any what-if.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Random House and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I thought this was a super cute and fun read that answers the age old "what if?" question. I know I've asked myself this question, especially on "what if I dated this person" or "what if I didn't?" several times. Even on other aspects of my life. Seeing a book that takes this mundane question and put a magical spin on it was a delight to read!

The pacing was quick and consistent throughout the book, and even the secondary characters were fun to follow along. I LOVED aunt Livi! I thought it was funny that Gemma's sister was calling her and Dax since the very beginning. The spice was great as well, and Dax is definitely a new book boyfriend, even 'best friend' Dax. Although it was quite funny that Dax thought Gemma was a stalker when he meets her for the first time. Kate Robb also makes the food sound SO good in this book, and I definitely had a craving or two while reading!

The things that didn't work for me were not enough time in the 'true' timeline. and Gemma herself. Don't get me wrong, I loved following Gemma along on her journey in self discovery and love, but at sometimes she seemed like a really out of touch and unobservant. The signs that some characters were struggling were blaring neon signs, but homegirl was too focused on herself and not the people that she loves around her. As much as I enjoyed following Gemma along in the alternate universe where she never met Stuart, I really wish there was more time spent when she came back. Especially more on her and Dax's relationship building when she comes back and the time they missed out on all those years they were just friends for.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a no go for me. I could not sympathize with the characters or get into the story. There was too much adult language for my taste and too much back and forth to keep track of. Maybe it was a question of timing, but I just know that this book was not for me

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced copy of This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Kate Robb's debut has lived in my head rent-free since I read an early version. I fell in love with Gemma from the moment her witchy ritual sent her into an alternate reality where she no longer has to deal with her crappy ex, but her best friend Dax has no clue who she is. I wish I could experience the wild ride of Gemma and Dax getting together for the first time again, including those first mental images of curling and gray sweatpants. This is a can't miss book and can't wait to see what Kate Robb writes next.

Disclosure: I am friends with the author and read an early draft of this book

Gemma casts a spell to erase an ex from her life but ends up in an alternate timeline (or parallel universe…) where many of her biggest dreams have become reality, including a relationship with her best friend Dax. When things start to unravel, Gemma has to decide whether to stay in her new timeline or return home.

I loved this book! I’m a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and I adored watching Gemma realize what was important to her, finally allowing her and Dax to come together. The magical realism was well done and not over the top. This story was filled with charm, heart, and a bit of spice.

Aunt Livi and Kiersten were fun supporting characters and excellent touchstones for Gemma as she worked through all the things. I appreciated that Gemma’s over reliance on Kiersten (my only real quibble with the book) was working towards resolution as the story wrapped up.

This Spells Love is the perfect book to curl up in front of the fireplace with and enjoy an oat milk misto (iykyk).

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press Trade for the advance copy.

I really wanted to love this book. I am a huge fan of magical realism but I felt like this book fell short. It started great Gemma has just broken up with her boyfriend, she goes to her aunts house for a good cry with her best friend Dax, her sister Kiersten and aunt Livi. One to many margaritas later and she’s completed a spell to change her life. I felt like from the beginning of the book I knew what was going to happen. With romances that is typical, but it was so obvious throughout, I was forcing myself to finish to say I did. One of the biggest issues I had with the book was not explaining whether Aunt Livi knew about what Gemma was going through or not?? Her friend stopped Gemma at a party and it seemed like maybe her group of friends are involved with this but we never find out. It was a huge missing part in the story for me and it left me dissapointed when we get the end and aunt Livi doesn’t have a chance to explain why she acted like she did. Overall 3/5 because I was able to finish it and I loved the idea.

Feeling like she's heartbroken, Gemma does a spell from a book her Aunt Livi has "found" which returns her to a time before she met Stuart - the guy who had been her boyfriend for the last four years. Gemma met Stuart at a party the same night she met Dax who became her best friend. Going back in time, Gemma no longer has Stuart in her life but she doesn't have Dax either since they met at the same party. She does have her sister Kiersten and her family and her Aunt Livi. I must say that Aunt Livi and her bookclub friends seem to be more mystical than the initial Aunt Livi appeared to be. Gemma spends a month in this altered reality before she can redo the spell. Good story about the finding your people and what you will do for them if you have the chance.

This was such a great book. I’m not usually into magical realism books, but the great writing and characters sucked me in. At the start of the story Gemma is heartbroken over her breakup and after far too much alcohol agrees to do a weird spell her eccentric aunt found to try to erase ever meeting her ex. It ends up working, but erasing her ex also changes several things in Gemma’s life including her and her best friend Dax never having met. Since Gemma needs Dax to help her break the spell this is quite a problem, and a quest to get Dax back in her life follows. This was a book that really makes you think about what would happen if we made different choices in life. Dax and Gemma were amazing together, I fell in love with them instantly, and the side characters were great. A feel good, thought provoking story with some spice. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

What a great debut! This story was so easy to fall into, and I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved the way the characters were written. They felt real, flawed, and I could relate to them. The relationship between Gemma and Kiersten was fun (especially their sibling banter), and I loved seeing their bond throughout the book and how it evolved. Even though we didn’t get as much of Aunt Livi as I wanted, I also loved her relationship with the girls and her quirky attitude towards everything.

And the romance🥹❤️ Gemma and Dax had such great chemistry! It was swoony, funny, heartfelt, playful, and felt so natural. I loved how supportive they were of one another, and how they knew what the other person needed. The buildup felt like it took just the right amount of time, and having the comparison between the two timelines helped make it feel more special in the end.

There’s a bit of magical realism throughout the book, but I’d say it’s relatively light on the magic (which wasn’t an issue for it, I just went in expecting it to be magic-y). I loved that the storyline with Gemma and her career got ample plot time, and how that situation ended up. The ending wraps up really nicely, and I was left feeling happy and content- what more can you ask for?

I truly think this is one of my favorite books of this year!

Seriously had so much fun reading this. Very few books hold my attention to where after I fishing a chapter, I absolutely need to keep going! I finished this one in under 24 hours. The pace was so perfect!

Im so excited that this is Kate Robb’s debut book! She really killed it!

Great character development for the main characters and all the side characters, the aunt and the sister are HILARIOUS! I was chuckling and smiling so often. Glad I got to read this in the comfort of my own home because I probably looked ridiculous!

A little magical realism, romantic, heartfelt, a bit of spice, cozy rom com, friends to lovers, and some little witchy vibes!

Side note: that repeat convo between Dax and Gemma is literally the cutest!
I’m so happy to have read this book. 4.75 ⭐️

Thank you Random House - Dial Press Trade and NetGalley for this ARC!

Get ready to fall in love… this book will leave you thinking… what if I did this… instead of that?

After heartbreak Gemma casts a spell… hoping to erase her ex from her past… she wakes up in an alternate reality where she must decide if changing her past is worth what the new outcome maybe.

The way I flew through the first 25%… I could not put this book down. For fans of the friends to lovers trope… alternate universes… sisters… skincare… donuts… and holy smokes some steam 🔥 this one is for you!

Truly unique and I’m excited to what else Kate Robb has up her sleeve!

This was super cute and cozy read.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how easy of a read it was, and the simplicity of it. I think this novel is perfect for a quick cozy read. I'm not usually a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but I found myself enjoying it in this book. I liked the subtle magic in this book (it's very subtle). The alternate universe was a new aspect for me, and it was a little weird, but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

One little thing I found odd about this book was the MC obsession with the body parts of other characters...(if you know you know). It just felt really odd and I feel like every time we saw Sunny and Dax, something was always brought up about it. It also felt not only weird but borderline creepy in a way.

But overall, I really enjoyed this cozy romance read. I think it is the perfect read for anyone just looking for a simple, short romance. Super cute, and perfect for the holidays.

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

A cute and cozy friends to lovers romance with a touch of magical realism. This Spells Love gets all the stars from me! Stories with magical or time travel elements tend to be a strong hit or miss for me, so I’m delighted to say I loved this one. I adored the characters, the writing, the pacing and devoured it in a day. I can’t wait to buy a physical copy when it comes out in December (which in my world is the highest praise).

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Random House for the ARC! This was so much fun to read!

I've been saving some witchy spell books for october. this was a cute, quick read! thanks netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was adorable. I loved the friends to lovers trope as well as the alternate timeline. I thought the little bit of witchy behavior was a nice touch. Gemma's relationship with her sister Kiersten was so great and I thought it actually developed so nicely. The curling team was cute and I enjoyed how much Gemma and Dax paid attention to each other. Aunt Livi was a riot in the best way ad I thought her character made the book so interesting. Overall, this book was super cute and I'm glad it came on my radar! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the e-ARC to read and review.

5⭐️

Omgsh this book, I'm a bit overjoyed and sad this is a debut. I just want to eat up anything Kate Robb had created. This was incredibly and maybe my favorite romance I have read this year. In.Cred.I.Ble!

The characters in this book are sweet and very loveable. For some reason I absolutely loved the name Gemma and I found it endearing whenever Dax called her Gems.

I am learning that I love the When Harry Met Sally/13 Going On 30 trope. It makes the story really fun and sweet when done correctly. I really enjoy the what could have been if different choices were made good and bad. This book did this almost perfectly. I think the only thing I was longing for was I wish the end was a bit longer. I wished it took its time to come to resolution. I would have completely fine with another 50 pages as this book I couldn't ever put down.

I'm really looking forward to see what else Kate Robb creates in the future. This book showed an amazing amount of talent and I see her becoming an automatic pick up author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Dial Press Trade for this advance reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.

This Spells Love was a somewhat familiar seeming story about a woman trying to erase a painful breakup and ends up accidentally eliminating a good chunk of her life— namely all of her history and experiences with her best friend, Dax. It’s definitely a situation where you know Dax has been pining for her from the start, so it’s a little bit frustrating to watch her deny it over and over again. But it was interesting to watch her re-meet him in a new reality, and to explore what could have been. Overall, it was a fun story, and I loved both the sister and grandmother. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.