Member Reviews
This was such a sweet and low angst romance! Set in contemporary, small town New Jersey, where magical beings love amongst regular people, a witch tries to get her luck back and an enchanted fae prince looks for his perfect kiss.
After being left at the altar, Ursula isn't sure she believes in happily-ever-afters anymore- after all, fairytales don't say the witches get them in the end. So she tries to reinvent herself, reconnect with family she has wronged, and get her magic back.
Enter an enchanted far prince who needs the perfect kiss in order to go back to the faerie realm. He's as charming as any prince should be, but also has a few secrets keeping him from his own happily- ever-after.
The two of them together were so sweet. And when the slow burn catches fire? Phew! I loved how supportive they were of each other's goals. If only they weren't so stuck in their own heads and actually talked to each other!
Freya Grove had the potential to be an interesting setting, if only its world and community had been fleshed out a bit more. Ursula's family could have been great side characters if they had been more present- they all seemed interesting and I wanted more from them!
I liked this one a lot! Sweet and whimsical, with a touch of a Frog Prince retelling, Kiss and Spell is a cute (and steamy) witchy book for this fall!
This book definitely meets the cozy vibes with low angst. I don't think I was expecting it to be as much as a slow burn but it made sense since Ursula had a lot of face to cover with being left at the alter. I knew something was off in book 1 but I didn't expect her to get pie in the face this way. Honestly, starting a relationship under these conditions probably didn't make the most sense (a curse and a semi-rebound) but the journey I think is what mattered.
Celestine Martin's witchy romances have been the perfect blend of humor, fun and light hearted romance. Interweaving the paranormal with modern day works really well in Martin's Elemental Love series. If you enjoy a diverse cast of paranormal characters then you will be easily delighted by the romantic pairings and mixes! Martin's writing is easy to get into, the world is understandable and easily lives with in the contemporary mindset, and it has a lightness and airiness that make her novel easily engage-able and a well paced read.
This romance is between Ursula, a self-proclaimed Jersey Shore Witch Princess, and Xavier, a fae cursed prince. These two are both romantics are heart so their interactions and building of a friendship is endearing and cute to watch! This witchy story has the charm of a fairy tale romance because Xavier can only break his curse with a perfect kiss! A chance meeting between these two easily grows into a mission to find the perfect romance which is then derailed by the growing attraction they start to have for each other. This romance is soft and sweetly sensual, Martin shows us the every day interactions between these to in order to build a charming romance. Kisses and touches are gentle, and the sensuality is on the softer side, but this works for this witchy-fairy tale romance!
Definitely give this novel a shot if you are in the mood for a light paranormal. Celestine Martin's series is a delight, and while this one can be read as a stand alone, you are sure to be charmed to check out the first in the series!
This book was a fun cozy romance which is gaining popularity. It's nice to see more options in this genre and it was a fun read. Low stakes are part of the cozy-fantasy genre and this does fit into that well.
Ursula Caraway wants nothing more than to have her happily-ever-after in her small hometown of Freya Grove. But when her fairytale romance falls apart, she’s left alone to pick up the pieces. Fae Prince Xavier Alder is on a mission to find The One, a task that is proven quite difficult due to his lack of social skills - and a curse placed upon him by the Faerie Queen. When Ursula meets Xavier, she’s desperate to believe in love and magic again, agreeing to help him find his perfect kiss and break his curse. It’ll be a piece of cake - as long as they can keep their mutual attraction in check.
I’ll be honest, I was apprehensive going into this book. After Ursula’s behavior in WITCHFUL THINKING, I wasn’t really sure I wanted a whole book with her as the main character. But I trusted the process, trusted Celestine, and came out the other side with a smile on my face and a contented sigh.
After the events of the first book, I definitely had some expectations going into this one and I was pleasantly surprised at the different path that Celestine chose to take. Xavier’s introduction into the world of Freya Grove allowed me to fall in love with it all over again, in much the same way that he learns to fall in love with it. And despite the fact that this book takes place in the spring, Celestine somehow still managed to capture the cozy autumn vibes and inject it straight into my veins.
While I think this series is best read in order, Celestine does a great job of writing this story to allow for new readers to come in without any context. Each character that is introduced has a backstory and, even if we don’t see the full extent of it, we are still able to get a good grasp of who they are. This also applies to the relationships - other than Ursula and Xavier, the relationships are all well established before the events of this book, but it never feels like you are playing catch up. With each turn of the page, it feels like you are peeling back another of layer, unveiling things you didn't even realize you were missing.
A beautiful story filled with magic and love, KISS AND SPELL is the reminder that we need that wishes can come true, but maybe just not in the way that we expect. Both books in Celestine Martin’s Elemental Love series, WITCHFUL THINKING and KISS AND SPELL, are available now and you’re gonna want to pick them up if you love cozy vibes, small towns, magic, and swoony romance.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
When a witch and a fae prince meet, sparks fly. Xavier, the fae prince, is desperate to break a curse. He offended the fae queen by saying true love wasn’t real and she cursed him. Now, he must find a perfect kiss before he can return home. Luckily, he meets Ursula. Ursula thinks that if she helps Xavier with his curse, it will help redeem herself from her past mistakes. As they work together, Ursula and Xavier begin to build a strong connection. But what happens once Xavier’s curse is lifted?
Kiss & Spell is a fun and lighthearted romance. Readers will remember Ursula from book one in the series, though thankfully she truly wants to turn over a new leaf. I enjoyed Xavier and Ursula’s chemistry; it was fun to see them fall for each other. Martin’s writing flows well and creates a cozy atmosphere in the town. I liked how she wove in magic with a contemporary town. The town sort of feels like a magical Stars Hollow (the town from Gilmore Girls). I also enjoyed the cameos of characters from book one. I would recommend Kiss & Spell to readers who seek a cozy, inclusive, contemporary romance with dashes of magic.
Thank you so much to Celestine Martin, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc
If you’re in the mood for something magical, flirty, and cozy, look no further! Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin takes us to the Grove, and it’s the perfect addition to your TBR for witchy-romances or that Fall TBR we all have.
Meet Ursula. She’s just been left at the alter by the mayors son and is trying to put her life back together. She’s distanced herself from family and friends, especially after becoming the talk of the town. Meet Xavier. He’s a cursed Fae prince who insulted the Fairy Queen. He’s been banished until getting a true love’s kiss. Will these two develop a friendship upon meeting, and will this friendship lead to breaking the curse?
Turns out this book is a part of a series, but it totally works as a standalone! Now I want to read more in the Elemental Love series. I found Martin’s writing to be full of magic and layers. I really enjoyed this witchy book and it’s the perfect read for the Fall season. I cannot wait to read more in the series and from Martin!
Ursula’s life could be better after being abandoned at the alter. What was supposed to be her happily ever after turned into her reading palms and selling crystals at her family’s store while ignoring the majority of them and attempting to regain her magic. She doesn’t want another series romance, but she does want something interesting to happen.
Then, Xavier appears. He is a Fae prince who has been cursed by the Fairie Queen to stay in the mortal world until he encounters and kisses The One. Being an introverted individual, Xavier has found this task challenging. On his way to a date, he meets Ursula, and they click right away. Ursula makes a promise to Xavier to assist him in finding the ideal kiss before Midsummer because she needs something to show her that romance and magic are still genuine.
Although I found Ursula to be an unpleasant character to read about in the first book, I eventually came to understand what drove her. Neither Ursula’s father nor her romantic relationships ever completely accepted her for who she was. A part of herself that was never meant to be hidden had to be concealed by her constantly. Ursula took that for granted, but now that she’s grown into herself, you are able to love her more.
Xavier was a wonderful character and I adored his awkwardness as he searched for The One. The journey he takes to discover a way to lift the curse and return to the Fae realm—and his eventual realization that perhaps it wasn’t what she really wanted—was fairly well-balanced. I really enjoy how a Fae Prince finds online dating to be equally as disastrous as some of us do.
The book was a nice friends-to-lovers story with Ursula and Xavier taking time to get to know each other before acting on their more romantic feelings for one another. I’ll admit that the slow burn was *too slow* at times but it worked well. Ursula and Xavier were unlikely pairs; Ursula prefers to be social while Arden prefers to be anti-social. But yet, they are perfect for each other.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Love Love Love!!!!
A paranormal romance...say less! I loved the first book in the series and I had a feeling I would love this one just as much. I really did not disappoint.
This is the 2nd book in the series but it doesn't have to be read in order, which is nice!
Xavier was cursed and need to find the perfect kiss. Ursula was left at the alter but still believes in finding the perfect love. The strangers to lovers was written so perfectly! The perfect read to get into the Autumn spirit.
This was very low stakes, light and airy. Just what you want to read when looking to escape into a warm hug. I did not read the first in the series but would return to Freya Grove to check it out
True rating: 3.5 stars
This book was a lovely blend of romance, humor, and magic. Celestine Martin excels at enveloping her readers in small-town charm and coziness while she spins her tale of paranormal romance. The characters are relatable and endearing.. I accidentally jumped right into this book without realizing it was the 2nd book in a series. It can be read as a standalone, as I did, but I believe I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I had read book 1 first (Witchful Thinking). If you are a fan of light-hearted romance with a healthy dose of magic, then Kiss and Spell is a must-read.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin. It was the perfect first fall read with wishes, witches, princes and faery godmothers.
Ursula has always wanted her happily ever ever but may have gone about it the wrong way. With help from family and friends she just may get what she wished for.
a fun witchy romance. I didn’t read the first book but I didn’t feel like I needed too! I loved the insta love will they won’t they! It took awhile for some steam but the slow burn was worth it!
Cute witchy romance. Perfect read for October if you’re feeling witchy.
Thanks to Forever and Netgalley for a copy of Kiss and Spell in exchange of an honest review.
Happy Pub Day to Kiss and Spell, my first witchy romcom of the season. This is the second book in the Elemental Love series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Ursula was not my favorite side character in book 1. In fact she became a bit of a villain. But I completely forgot about all of that and forgave her actions in this book. She definitely redeemed herself.
As in book one, I loved all the magical, mystical beings - grumpy gnomes, witches, fairies, mermen, and more. And the pairing of a Fae Prince searching for a perfect kiss with a witch whose greatest wish is to fall in love like all the greatest fairy tales was genius. The small town setting is both cozy and enchanting and had me wanting to partake in all the special events.
This was a cute and whimsical paranormal romance with Black witches, but it was missing a spark to take it to amazing. It may have been just a bit too much of a slow burn for me. We could all see that they had fallen for one another, so just kiss already and break the curse!!
Despite this, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and to read more by this author. Can’t wait to see which side character is next to fall in love.
I’m so glad I found my way back to Freya Grove AKA Black Halloweentown. This witchy & fae romance was warm and the perfect October love story. Even better was the character development of both main characters and the lessons about second chances.
Kiss and Spell is super cute and moved pretty quickly after a bit of a slow start. I wasn’t sure what to expect but overall enjoyed it. I think this may be my first book by Celestine Martin but I’ll keep reading.
With a name like Ursula, this book just seems to fit what I'm looking for in October. Crystals, fortunes, psychics... and romance? Yes, please. I loved the characters and the plot (which felt a bit like The Little Mermaid, making the name Ursula even more delightful) was enjoyable. I think anyone looking to find some magic will enjoy this.
After being left at the altar, Ursula lost her faith in love. And please spare her the cracks about what kind of physic she must be if she didn’t see *that* coming. She’s struggling enough as it is.
Now the once beloved Smitten by the Shore event is returning to their town, and she’s not sure how to feel about it.
Doesn’t help that Lincoln, the almost groom who ghosted her, is back in town and already with someone else.
More interesting though is, just after determining to get her goals in order and swearing off ‘fairy tales’, she has a chance meeting with Actual Fae Prince Xavier. A bit of mistaken identity as he was supposed to meet a blind date at the *other* Ocean Avenue.
He’s got a bit of a curse situation, and needs to have love’s perfect kiss before he’s free to return to his home realm. That date he was headed to was a bust like so many others, and he almost wishes he had stayed with the Ursula. Wrong woman or not there was a connection and maybe she can help him?
When they meet up again later he finds out she knows all about this Smitten by the Shore matchmaking thing at least…
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This is my third book in two weeks about a witch with some form of plant magic, and if this is a new trend I am here for it!
This one feels light like a nice romcom. There is some drama but nothing shattering. I can’t quite say about those others, so maybe that’s why this is feeling extra low stakes?
Anyway, if you’re looking for a fun fall read, check it out. It is part of a series, but I am managing to follow along even though I haven’t read the first book (yet) so don’t let that hold you back!
I *did* get a little frustrated and felt like they were making things too difficult for themselves by not actually clearly communicating about what they want/needed from the start, but that’s what makes the story sometimes, right?
Thanks to @netgalley and @forever for the arc!
What happens when you cross a witch with a prince? You get a good story in Kiss and Spell.
When the story opens I felt bad for Ursula. She’d been dumped on her wedding day and lost all confidence. She’s rebuilding her life when she meets Xavier on the boulevard.
They make some terrific magic together but when Xavier makes a bad decision I was disappointed in him. I thought it was cowardly and I was devastated for Ursula.
However, a HEA occurs. The best line is when Xavier said I’m tired of existing, I want to live. Indeed!