Member Reviews

I love Celestine Martin's worldbuilding so much. This was an adorable romance that was partly inspired by the frog prince (except he's not actually frog). The character development in this book is really well done and the characters feel so loveable that you want to wrap them in blankets and protect them at all costs... although sometimes I always wanted to whack Xavier over the head and shout YOU LOVE HER YOU MORON. The first half of the book does move somewhat slowly and it's a little repetitive at times, but for those of us wary of Ursula after the first book, it does establish her as a loveable character working through her mistakes - like all of us - and makes us swoon for Xavier as well. I also really appreciated all the details Celestine Martin put into her book - the uses and meanings behind crystals, flowers, and family traditions especially. I can't wait to read more of this series. It's a really cozy romance and it always makes me wish I could move to The Grove.

Thank you to netgalley and Celestine Martin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

It was great to read another character from this world and series. Although I love a witchy story and a witchy world - I did feel like there were way too many fantastical characters in one book - now, while most didn't have anything to say - the mention of all these. mystical characters I felt was a little overkill, especially for a love story that was being developed.

I loved the Fea part of the story, but Xavier needed clarification. And the almost instant love that is happening between him and Urseualla

It is a great concept, and I love the ending, but I was a little confused and turned around in the beginning and a bit in the middle.

Was this review helpful?

This book was adorable. I love the "Prince charming" and the "no more fairy tales" heroine that was happening here. Both of our leads were relatable with their situations, and their relationship was everything I wanted it to be and more. Why don't I hear more people talking about these books and this author?? It's a shame! Had a great time with this one, and will continue to read in this series as long as the author wants to write in it.

Was this review helpful?

Another winner from Celestine Martin. I loved the inclusion of the fairytale aspect and the HEA throughout the entire book. But more than that I loved how Ursula grew as a person and made leaps and bounds in her development throughout the book. After knowning how she acted in the first book in this series I think I was happier for her character development than her HEA. This is a book I will be recommending to others.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It was a fun and witchy rom-com. I enjoy the world building that Martin has created in Freya Grove. I would be happy to keep reading more titles in this universe.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this little witchy romance. Perfect book to spark off fall season or if you’re into witchy paranormal romances. I read the first installment of the series but it’s not required. This story work perfectly as a standalone. It was cozy, charming, and cute. It was a slow burn but I enjoyed seeing the couple fall in love and grow over time. I think the book had just enough of everything from magic to the humor and lastly the romance. I look forward to the stories for the other Carraway witches. Thank you for the ARC! Forever’s dedication to centering diversity in their publishing always makes series like this a must read for me.

Was this review helpful?

Matchmaker to Mate is by far one of my favorite romantic tropes, partially because it how my own failed love story started. As such I was really excited when Netgalley selected me to receive an ARC for Kiss and Spell. Paranormal matchmaking with POC Fae characters. This novel hit all the hot points that make me adore romance novels.

Ursula and Xavier are my favorite type of main characters, flawed individuals just trying to figure out life and how to live it. Xavier, an enchanted fae prince starts the novel just trying to break the "curse" placed upon him by the Queen of the Fae. Ursula on the other hand is a broken hearted which trying to pick up the pieces after being left at the alter on her wedding day. Add in a match making town, a plan to help each other out and you have the perfect recipe for two magical being to find their own happily ever after.

Without giving to much more away understand that this is a sweet romance novel with an amazingly adorable Happily Ever After moment featuring a Witch and her Fae Prince

Was this review helpful?

I love Celeste Martin <3 Thank you so much to NetGalley and Read Forever pub for the gifted copy of this eARC!

I had to read Ursula's story in the second installment of Elemental Love series. It really was perfect for a cozy, fall read! I highly recommend for those who loved fall and want a mood read. I recommend starting with the first book too to fully enjoy it!

Was this review helpful?

Ursala (Sula) gets her redemption after being awful in book one in the Elemental Love series.

Sula is out to "refresh" her life after ruination in book #1. Xavier is trying to break a curse by finding the perfect kiss. Well here we've got a witch and Fae Prince befriending each other, slowly falling in love. Our cinnamon roll, Xavier, is an absolute delight, which begged me to question "why" Sula as he's a catch.

The book is a bit too long and I wasn't completely sold on this couple.

Thank you Forever for the complimentary copy.

Was this review helpful?

I didn’t realize this was a second in a series, and I think I would’ve benefitted from reading the first book first. I wanted more backstory/world building on the town and magical system. I think the characters and plot line were sweet and well written. I just didn’t understand all of it and wanted that context - which is on me to not check before reading. Will circle back to the first one eventually.

Was this review helpful?

I appreciate NetGalley for this ARC copy!
Despite being the second novel in a series, Kiss and Spell works perfectly on its own. I always make sure a book can be read as a stand-alone before accepting it as part of a series for arc reads. You will gradually learn a great deal of backstory in this book, so you won't get lost. This was the ideal October read!!! This was an enjoyable paranormal read between friends to lovers set in a tiny village, with a cursed prince and a witch attempting to regain her magic.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, you know when you pick up book two and didn't realize you haven't read book one? That's me and Kiss & Spell. That being said, you definitely don't have to have read Witchful Thinking, I clearly didn't, but I think you will have a better chance at understanding Ursula's family quicker. I think what made me love Ursula is to see her wondering when her happy ending is. I felt like this thought resonated strongly. But being able to see Xavier's mindset gave me a soft spot for him. I loved witnessing their chemistry and meet cute!

Was this review helpful?

This was a great fantasy romance between a witch and a Faerie prince. Ursula was known as the jilted bride in Freya Grove after the mayor's son left her at the altar. Xavier traveled to Freya Grove to find someone to kiss to break his curse. It was an interesting and entertaining curse-breaking turned romance.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book!! It was the perfect fall read and i loved the twist on the story of a cursed prince so much! Not only because Xavier was so charming but that definitely helped. Both books by Celeste Martin set in Freya Grove have made me adore the town and all its inhabitants. Ursulas spunk was extremely enjoyable and i hope we get more magical stories from Freya Grove in the future!

Was this review helpful?

Kiss and Spell is hands down one of my favorite books of the year. This cozy witchy romance with a sweet fae prince was exactly what I needed to read to kick off fall. I loved the characters, the setting, and of course the romance. Ursula and Xavier's friendship was so sweet and the perfect slow burn. I loved watching them fall for each other and eventually lower their guards so they could tell each other how they felt. The magic in this world is also so much fun, and I love that it's just a part of this pretty regular little town. Magical creators showing up to parties or cafes was just a normal part of life, and honestly I wish I could be transported there right now. I can't wait for more books in this series because I want to be whisked away to Freya Grove again.

Was this review helpful?

Be careful what you wish for!

This story is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance that will have you rooting for them to find their HEA. Ursula may have acted terrible in the first book but I am loving her redemption in this one. She wanted her dad's side of the family to accept her so bad that she became someone she didn't recognize. I enjoyed watching this love story unfold.

I would like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and net galley for free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Love and magic between two black main characters I couldn’t ask for more. Lover the chemistry between the two the magical element of the story. It’s rare to read about black witches and I think this was executed perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

Kiss and Spell is the second in a series by this author, with Witchful Thinking, being the first. I hadn't read the first book and although this story holds well as a stand-alone, I think I would have enjoyed the book much more had I read the first book, as much is referenced to what happened previously, with full explanations not happening until somewhat towards the end of this book and the details were still a bit murky.
I did really enjoy the world the author has created, with magical, fantastical beings living amongst more common humans (although most humans in the book do seem have some magical gift). The characters were unique and interesting, and the scenes were very descriptive, so it was easy to imagine being in the midst of such a unique place as Freya Grove. I also enjoyed the different meanings of crystals, flowers, mythologies, folk tales and celebrations that played roles within the book. I did wish that there were a bit more world building, however, to better understand how the realms worked (for example the Prince mentioned the Faery Queen but it wasn't his parents who were also King and Queen, so how do they fit in the kingdom?). Ursula also didn't seem clear on what she wanted to do for her future as she enjoyed working at her mother's shop and was good at her work, and she seemed like she truly loved the gardens and the language of flowers, yet she was seeking a job working with the mayor. Also the wish lists and the boss lists were not fully explained for those of us who missed the first book.
I look forward to reading more about the magical mysteries of Freya Grove, and meeting more of these fantastical characters when I read the author's next book (AND go back to read the first one in this series too!).

Was this review helpful?

I am in love with Celestine Martin!!

I loved her previous book and when I was given the chance to read this one I was over the moon!!

This book brings together Ursula Caraway who was left at the alter and not happy with her life's direction, plus she wants to believe in magic again......enter Prince Xavier Adler who needs to break a curse by going on dating apps in search of true love.

This is friends to lovers at its best!

If you love cozy, fun, romance, this is for you!

Was this review helpful?

After reading Witchful Thinking, I was shocked to find out Ursula was the FMC for Kiss and Spell considering she was engaged and also the literal worst. After her life implodes in a spectacular way, Ursula is trying to claw her way back from rock bottom when a chance meeting with Xavier, a cursed Fae prince puts her on the path to helping him find true love and break his curse while also falling in love with him.
This was a good redemption arc for Ursula, getting more of her background story made me understand her motives. Xavier is indeed a Prince Charming (WITH A LEGIT FAIRY GODMOTHER) with a cynical view of true love. This was perfect for October. Cozy, witchy and low stakes.. However, I still need to see more of the fabled gnomes. Can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.
Thank you Forever and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?