What a book. Addictive from start to finish. A story about how different your life would be if you didn’t meet a certain person. I really loved this book. Gemma wishes she never met her ex but in doing so she never got to meet her attractive friend Dax and now as time goes on she starts to realise some things happen for a reason.

This book was a beautiful romance that had me loving every second. I really love the idea of finding out what would happen if something like this happened to you. One of the best books I’ve read this year.

After a breakup with her long time boyfriend, Gemma does what most people do after a breakup and wish it never happened. It’s one of those be careful what you wish for moment as so many threads of your life are tied to that other person - just like that Gemma and her ex never happened but with that disappeared her friendship with Dax… This story is really for anyone who is or has been secretly in love with their best friend whether they knew it or not. Gemma’s ‘love cleanse’ gave her the ability to interact with Dax without the prior history of friendship and without the worry that you’re risking everything with the potential to lose them.

There are so many things I want to say about this book but I’m trying to avoid spoilers. I loved how the story didn’t necessarily follow the traditional story arc of romance novels, this felt original and refreshing. There were so many times I smiled reading this book and I loved everything I was reading. I also liked the strong themes of familial love and Gemma’s personal journey.

Minor Spoiler Alert❗️
Definitely had to give my favourite scene(s) a mention - absolutely loved the scenes between Dax and Gemma that were like:
“… Daxon McGuire”
“… Gemma McGuire”
“Slip of the tongue?”
So original and so cute!
I also hate a third act breakup so the fact this didn’t include one was a HUGE plus for me.

4.5/5 stars

Would definitely read again and would recommend to any romance readers. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The characters are just great, so likeable and yet a bit loopy at the same time. The leap in time is odd but isn’t laboured and the book just ploughs on exploring the different lives and working out if romance is just meant to be,

A good book with a alternative timeline based on different time zones. It's about love, family, friendship and seconds chances. A good read.

Thanks to Random House and Netgalley for providing an arc of this book. I read this book voluntarily and the review and thoughts provided are my own opinions.

Despite enjoying lots of aspects of the book, I didn't really warm to the story without being able to pinpoint the reasons why.
The storyline is quite creative and unique, I hadn't read something like that before which is definitely a winner. I loved the family constellation (eccentric aunt, close relationship to sister, the drinking coffee and eating donut on any given occasation part made me want to have a donut everytime and might have lead to me buying more donuts during that read), the idea of (un) fulfilled dreams was endearing for me (who hasn't thought of renting a shop front themselves and opening a cafe or a second hand shop etc.? well i have and do all the time). I also liked the end and how the storyline threw suprises at me I didn't foresee. I also loved Dax and without giving any spoilers the changes in his live and how things (didn't) add up.

So I don't know why I struggled with the book. I think the middle was just a bit too slow, I loved the last third of the book and the ending didn't leave anything to my imagination which I love.

I would still give the book 3 stars and would try another Kate Robb book in the future.

This is the perfect cozy witchy romance to snuggle up with under a blanket while drinking a warm cup of tea.
This Spells Love is fun and heartwarming, it will put a smile on your face, but it will also make you think — about what you truly want, the choices you make along the way and their consequences. Not only in your life, but other people’s as well. One moment can change everything. We’re all Gemma at some point, we all wonder what if. What would you do differently if you had the chance?

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the premise of parallel lives. Loved Gemma and Dax's developing relationship. I did think some of the conversation went on a bit too long at times, but a minor thing. I liked the introspection Gemma had to do. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book as an e-arc by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

« “So, are we solving the day’s problems with sugar or alcohol?” »

Rating: 5⭐️
Genre: Fiction, Romance, RomCom
Pages: 352
Series?: Standalone

I absolutely adored this book! Like basically finished it in one sitting. Technically it took me two days but that was just because I started it at the end of the night.

Everything about this book was perfect. I loved the storyline, the characters (very likable and relatable), the tension between the characters at times, the author's voice, all of it. I was hooked right from the start and I found myself completely engaged the whole time reading it. I kept rooting for Gemma because you just want it to work out for her. The pacing was perfect and you are never bored or distracted.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun romcom type of book! It's quick, fun, and easy to read. I will be buying this book when it comes out as this has definitely become one of my favorite rom com books!

such a cute book!

I will be honest I completely forgot what the description for this book was and it was so fun going in blind and not having any expectations on how I thought the story was going to play out.

I loved this premise of alternative reality and getting a second chance to make things right.

The perfect autumnal book!

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc copy!

Oat milk lattes, doughnuts and a little bit of magic ☕️🍩🪄

The idea of a contemporary romance with a side of magic really appealed to me. I’m a fantasy reader and so really enjoy a little bit of magic in my romances. Our FMC Gemma (with a G 😉) does a love cleanse with her slightly eccentric aunt and ends up in a parallel timeline where things are slightly different from her own. She never met her dreadfully boring ex boyfriend but that also means she isn’t best friends with Dax anymore.

I loved reading our characters journey and I really enjoyed the detail Kate gave the side characters. So often they are neglected by romance authors but Kate provides a wonderful back drop for our couples story.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s definitely one I’ll buy upon release. My main criticism would be that the ARC still contains several typos. Including the mysterious absence of the letter F from certain words and the start of chapters being missing. At times this detracted from the flow of the story.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and have provided an honest review.

This is a five-star read that is as sweet as one of Nanna’s donuts. This was a great story overall, I will admit about a third in, I was struggling, it just seemed to be a little waffly, but only for a chapter or two, then I was hooked again, and wondering what would I do if I were in Gemma’s shoes, as my goodness we are both so indecisive and love help making the right decisions, and often don’t jump when we should. I liked how different things were when Gemma performed the spell, it felt nice to see the other side, and be able to learn from it, I loved how she learnt so much, not just about herself, but about others as well. The ending was just a chef’s kiss, it kept us guessing and then wrapped everything like a perfect present. Kiersten was someone that surprised me, at first I was thinking she was a great supportive sister, but as we get to know her character, she becomes so much more a part of the story. This is a great story, and I am so excited to see who the author will create next, as they have a way of creating characters that you feel so deeply about, even the ones where you aren’t sure at first, a change of universe changes the person and suddenly you want to be their bestie. I loved the Canadian setting, we don’t often get that, and it brought a lovely freshness to the story.

This was sweet, charming, and fully embracing the ridiculousness of the plot.
The book doesn't really go into detail about the witchiness of the spell (I would have LOVED to see more of her aunt Livi), but I sort of liked that everyone just went along with the parallel universe sort of thing.
Dax was a gorgeous MC to read and felt well-rounded. I loved the details that the author added about the pair as it felt like an authentic best friend deep connection. The sex scenes were steamy and playful and didn't take themselves too seriously (my FAVOURITE thing in romance books).
Overall, it's a perfect, heartwarming read. I'd love to take it on holiday with me or on a really cold, rainy day.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this wonderfully funny friends to lovers romcom, with a magical twist. Gemma was a brilliant heroine, warm and determined but also slightly chaotic, and Dax was an utterly wonderful, totally swoon-worthy hero. I never run to a friends to lovers romcom, much preferring enemies to lovers, but I LOVED this book.

I loved the setup, the way it was clear from the beginning that Dax's feelings were deeper that friendship, and it took Gemma getting a chance at a different life to open her eyes. I loved that it wasn't just about Dax either, and that there was her career, her passions and her relationship with her sister that she hadn't been fully seeing.

It was such a clever, funny premise, and I enjoyed every minute of Gemma and Dax getting to know each other again, and Gemma realising she was capable of so much more. It's tender and funny and sweet, sizzling and empowering, and left me with a huge smile on my face. I can already see that Kate Robb is going to be an auto-buy author for me. What a brilliant joy of a book!

Thank you to @penguinbooksouthafrica and @netgalley for this eARC.

Gemma is recovering from a break up, even though she herself has to admit her relationship with Stuart was more of a comfort zone than actual love.

With the help of her eccentric aunt, her sister, and her best friend Dax, Gemma performs a love spell so that her and Stuart had never met and she didn’t waste four years on him.

However when Gemma wakes up (in a bed she doesn’t know) she discovers that not only didn’t she meet Stuart, she also didn’t meet her best friend Dax who she met the same night.

As Gemma embarks on a mission to reverse the spell and get Dax to be her friend again, she discovers more about herself and her family, and learns to take some risks again. Her and Dax become more than friends, but does she still want to return to her world now?

This friends to lovers book is a super cute read that I couldn’t put down. I love a parallel universe story and seeing how different things can be with small changes. Kate Robb did such a great job with this, and I’d definitely be keen to pick up more of her books.

For fans of :
- friends to lovers
- The Butterfly Effect
- Curling
- Learning to believe in yourself more

⭐ 4.3
🌶️ 2

The blurb for this book read like it was exactly my favourite kind of book. It’s cosy, without being too cosy, and super cute. I loved the relationships between the characters. Kiersten and Gemma’s relationship felt like a fairly accurate portrayal of sisters. Aunt Livi is quite possibly the best.

Added to that, Dax was just adorable. He was a supportive best friend without being overly saccharine-sweet. I love a Golden Retriever cinnamon roll, but sometimes they can just kind of grate on me. Dax didn’t.

I would have loved some more Aunt Livi content. She’s hilarious, and badass. And I really love a kickass older supporting character who marches to the beat of her own drum.

Overall, I really enjoyed it, and finished reading it in one sitting.

I loved this book, it was just cute and feel good and really enjoyable. Gemma was relatable and I loved the relationship with her sister and Dax. I also liked how the ending wasn't predictable and she was able to make a sensible, selfless decision. Can't wait to read more from this author!

This was such a cute, wholesome story and surprisingly spicy for a rom-com!

All the characters and their inter-relationships were absolutely perfect, I loved how solid they all were and that made them feel more real.

Gemma is sort of predictable in her reality but I loved watching how she learns to let loose in her new alternate world. I also adored Gemma and her sister's relationship, they both have their ups and downs, but their strong sisterly bond remains throughout.

I'm not usually a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but this book did not disappoint! I really liked that there were bits of insta-love and fated mate tropes all mixed in all within the alternate universe.

Dax is honestly one of the sweetest MMC’s ever! I love that he would just drop everything to make sure that Gemma was ok.

Overall, I loved the writing style, the unexpected spice, the relationships and the fact it left me wanting more! A definite recommendation to my friends!

"Goodnight, Dax McGuire," I call to him.
"Goodnight, Gemma McGuire," he calls back.
"Slip of the tongue?"
He shrugs and smiles. "Something like that."
----

Gemma's break up that she never thought would come crushes her heart. The whole idea of having a dog, a nice little house and maybe even a baby, thrown out of the window: goodbye. To forget about everything, she uses a spell to make her love life more bearable, a fresh start. And it does happen to be a fresh start because she's woken up in another time-line where her best friend Dax doesn't know who she is and she needs him to undo the spell with a kiss within a month. And when suddenly the line between friends and lovers start to blur as she gets another chance to redo the introduction and become closer to him, she's left with the longing question she never thought she would ask herself: is falling in love with your best friend the right path, only to know her heart will be broken in the end?

Honestly, this was such a cute read. The whole setting, and the realistic side of life was shown so clearly with Gemma, her life just gone upside-down and her self growth throughout this whole book shines through. And slowly realising that her and Dax were never truly meant to just stay friends. I liked the idea of the spell and her having to go through the whole process again to befriend Dax but he's a little different than her original Dax.

Gemma really is a relatable character and I loved knowing her inside thoughts, her inner battles with herself whenever she thought her interactions with Dax were getting a little more than friends. And this book just clearly shows she'll fall in love with any different versions of Dax, even if he's in another time-line (just makes the whole "i'll love you in any universe" thing clear and adorable).

I do think that Gemma and Dax in her original time-line is much better off together, maybe because their life is more better and happier but truly, if Gemma didn't date her ex then both of them wouldn't have had a good life-style and end up together in the end. Also the self-growth in this book is so strong, as she learns to make her own decisions instead of relying on others to clarify her decisions are right.

Overall, such a cute and cozy read to get out of a reading slump💖

Also, there were quite a lot of typos in the book and I realised any words with the letter 'f', there was no f? So the word 'off' was spelt with just 'o' and coffee spelt as 'coee'. But I hope they'll fix this before this book is published!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A really great and fun read. I loved the characters and the story. Will look out for more from this author.

I absolutely adored this book!

I have read quite a few stories over the years with the central plot being “What would happen if my decisions were different than the ones I chose”, which haven’t been all that successful, leaving me with a lot of questions and plot holes. However, Kate Robb does this perfectly!

Despite there being somewhat of a “magical” element to the book (as much as we’ve all wished to go back in time to undo mistakes), the story was not at all far fetched and fit close to reality.

These types of stories are always bittersweet in some ways but left me feeling satisfied and was a perfect way to spend the 6 hour car journey as I could NOT put this down!