Member Reviews

Her funeral one night stand turns out to be the famous rockstar she is babysitting while he writes his new album. I loved it.
Had a trio of witch sisters making a spell to hex an ex and making three wishes for themselves.
Clemmie’s eyes are blinded by the fact that Theo is a famous rockstar, who she wants nothing to do with, so she doesn’t notice the little things he does for her. It’s only her pov but as the reader I feel we got to know him through her eyes even though she was a bit blind him. Theo was respectful of her wishes but also took the time to get to know her. He was very into her when they first met definitely wanted more than one night.
A fun read, touched into mental health and found family. I loved it enjoyed the character development from both MCs. There was humor, I will remember Colin the poltergeist forever and emotional depth that made them feel relatable even though he was a rockstar.

Was this review helpful?

This was SO fun. I read somewhere that it was Harry Styles fanfic and loved that description. Sign me up for a one night stand + forced proximity!! 🙃 The beginning was witchy and I didn’t think I’d like where it went but it was incorporated in throughout the novel in such a fun sisterly way. I did feel like a HEA was unnecessary, and unrealistic to expect the FMC to get closure from every ex and every family member she’s had issues with. But I did appreciate the therapy rep and how similar to real life it felt to work through Clemmies past without expectation.

I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH.

I just finished, and I already want to read it again. Under Your Spell was sweet, funny, emotional, and passionate...truly a perfect rom-com. I adored the characters and soaked up every word of clever dialogue. I can't remember the last time I truly enjoyed a romance this much. 

It's out next week, and I already preordered a physical copy!

Was this review helpful?

This is now going to be my go to recommendation for anyone in the mood for a romcom. It was surprisingly funny, the romance was swoon worthy, the family dynamics were beautiful, and did I mention the romance was melt-your-heart-adorable?

I came for the romance, but stayed for the sisters. The first part was my favourite. Before we are even introduced to the love interest, the three sisters drew me in. Their quick wit and strong bond was unlike any I’ve read before. They had a unique upbringing which adds to their loveable dynamic. For me, they really carried the story, and that’s saying something as the love interest, Elliot was too precious to not adore.

Elliot was the epitome of a golden retriever. It was oftentimes hard to connect the Elliot we see with this so called rockstar he is. It made Clementine wonder which one was the real him for sure. But it was undeniable how much he cared for her. He was perfectly entranced, just like I was reading their love story unfold.

The beginning was an easy five stars for me. Somewhere along the way, I lost the excitement but it didn’t last too long as the ending was just as fun. My biggest critique for this story was their age. Clementine is 33 and Elliot is almost 40 but to me, they both seemed to be a decade younger. Not in the sense that they were emotionally immature, but in how they acted. The best way I can think to describe it is that they were so care free in their day to day lives that gave off an innocents I don’t typically see in 30 and 40 year olds. I think there is a fine balance when writing a romcom between funny-silly and immature-silly, and it can make the character feel younger than they’re supposed to be.

Other than that, this was a very fun read. It was a lovely story with well developed characters that I bet will make you giggle and kick your feet at least once.


*thank you NetGalley for the ARC*

Was this review helpful?

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood is a sweet new celebrity/(mostly) non-famous person romance following a rock star singer, Theo Elliott, and the daughter of another rock star, Clementine Monroe, who steadfastly does not want to be involved with music at all. After spending a night together, with Clemmie not having any idea who Theo is, they end up stuck together in an isolated house for six weeks so Theo can focus on writing his next album and Clemmie, in desperate need of a job and somewhere to stay, can reluctantly keep an eye on him for her music producer sister.

This book is really charming, especially with the cozy seaside home Clemmie and Theo are staying in for the majority of the book and Clemmie's unique family. The quirky sisters and mothers made for most of the humor, though Theo's silly side and some jokes around the celebrity side of the book also added to the humor. Clemmie has real hang-ups about being with Theo or any musician or celebrity, and the book realistically works through them as she figures out what she wants, what is most important for her, and how to process trauma. As charming and enjoyable to read as he is, I do think Theo is a bit too perfect and underdeveloped compared to Clemmie, and I found myself wishing for more there whenever the author gestured to his own concerns or personality. They did have chemistry together, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their journey.

Was this review helpful?

I adored this book -- definitely a great rock star romance. It was a bit long but I still devoured it easily and enjoyed it immensely. All the swoons, all the feels . . . Theo will be your new book boyfriend, I promise! Give it a read!!

Under Your Spell comes out next week on June 25, 2024, and you can purchase HERE!

Anyway, the public consensus was that our home was a sort of cross between a cult, a commune, and a site for the practice of dark magic. The reality was of course much more mundane, but it became something of an obsession for my sisters and me, this idea that we were witches-like the three sister witches in Macbeth.

Was this review helpful?

Clem mine and Theo. I love this story! And I don’t usually love romance novels! If I could find more like this I would change my attitude towards love stories. Holy cow the passion between these two. And each of their stories are so interesting. I gobbled this one up and put this author on my “Authors to Watch” list!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy of this book in exchange for a review. I love a good musician romance/rom com and this did not disappoint me. I loved the characters and thought the love story was cute. This gave me Beach Read vibes but with music added in. A great vacation read! :)

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

I recently found Laura Wood and devoured most of her historical romances. This was the first of her adult, contemporary novels I've read and I liked it. Clemmie and her sisters grew up in a very strange environment and the hints of magic throughout the novel were fun and perfect for spooky season. I loved the relationship between the sisters and their relationship to music.

This is one of those disaster novels, where no one is in danger of dying except by embarrassment, but if it can do wrong it will and in the most dramatic way possible. Leave the real world at the door while you read this book and you'll be delighted!

She wants three things. He isn’t one of them...
Dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and about to lose her flat: Clementine Monroe is not having a good day. So when her sisters get her drunk and suggest reviving a childhood ritual called the Breakup Spell, she doesn’t see the harm in it.
But now Clemmie has accidentally ruined a funeral, had her first one-night stand, and she’s stuck with a new job she definitely doesn’t want—spending six weeks alone with the gorgeous and very-off-limits rock star, Theo Eliott.
He’s the most famous man on the planet. Her life’s a disaster. As their summer together turns into its own kind of magic, is Clemmie cursed to repeat the mistakes of her past—or will her future see all her wishes come true?

Was this review helpful?

Under Your Spell, the first adult novel by Laura Wood is a love note to romance novels from someone who consumes a lot of them. The book is absolutely delightful. It's witchy, and cozy, and romantic, and has snarky sisters and a shirtless hot rock star in it. What’s not to love?

The story of the daughter of an aging rock star/terrible father who has sworn off musicians forever. That is until her fiancée dumps her, she loses her job and finds herself in need of a place to live. Her sisters rally around her, and what else is there to do, but to cast a spell?

Clemmie meets a gorgeous man at a funeral with whom she has a one-night stand. Surprise! He’s one of the most famous men on the planet, but Clemmie doesn’t know that, because she’s not into music. In desperate need of a job, she’s hired by her record-exec sister to babysit him until he delivers his very overdue album. Forced proximity, hilarity, and charm ensue.

Come for the romance, stay for the magic. You won’t be disappointed. Laura Wood, I’m Under YOUR Spell. Read this book and you will be, too!

Thank you to @atriabooks and @netgalley for the advanced reader copy. My reviews will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, BN.com, and Amazon.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book so much! I felt as though it had cast a spell on me since I was compelled to read it all the way through!

Despite being the daughter of a rock star, Clementine would to live a private life. She does not know of Theo's celebrity when they first meet, and he does not know who her father is. After their one-night affair, Clementine leaves, believing she won't see him again. She did not anticipate seeing Theo when her sister offered her the job of hosting a rock star. As their connection grows and they spend more time together, she begins to realize she's falling deeply.

The main characters had incredible chemistry with toghether. Theo is not your usual rock star; he's such a cutie. He's sweet, kind, and caring, and I just can't help but adore him. I love how he looked for Clementine and care for her feelings.

I appreciate that the book focuses not only on the romance between the main characters, but also on the great friendship between the sisters and their mothers. I adored the closeness and dynamic that Clementine, Lil, and Serena had. It was wonderful to see how the author also addressed topics to which people can absolutely connect and how Clementine managed to deal with them.

It was my first book from this author and it will not be my last! Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun love story that had me hooked and I couldn't put it down. I loved the romance but I think I loved the relationship between the sisters even more! I enjoyed watching the characters grow and develop throughout the story. I recommend this to anyone who needs a lighthearted romance read and I would love if we could get more books about the two sisters!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Clementine "Clemmie" is a nepo baby. She's the daughter of a insanely famous rockstar and chooses to live her life away from the camera/stage. However, she's recently been hired to be the caretaker aka babysitter for Theo Elliot, a rockstar.

This is a fun rom/com with fun characters. Sometimes rom/coms try too hard to make everyone likeable or cutesy. Clemmie grew up during this book. Her relationship with her sisters was really the relationship I rooted for hardest.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was very sweet! The lightest touch of magic, a famous person/normal person romance, and a delightful trio of sisters. I really enjoyed this one—it hit on some good tropes, had quick writing, and made me laugh. I also loved the therapy content throughout. Would def read more of the author’s work!

Was this review helpful?

Clementine (Clemmie) Monroe at the center of "Under Your Spell" has struggles relatable to many—heartbreak, career setbacks, and the search for stability. Yet, it is her relationship with her sisters that adds a layer of warmth and depth to the story. Their bond, filled with love and shared history, is a testament to the strength of sisterhood.

Theo, the rock star, is not just a typical celebrity. His character is multifaceted, showing a blend of charisma, vulnerability, and depth that makes the romance both believable and compelling. The chemistry between Clemmie and Theo is fun and lighthearted, making their interactions a delight to read.

One of the themes of the book is the invasion of privacy in the modern era. Clemmie's navigation through a world where every move can be scrutinized resonates with anyone living in our digital age. The story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters—family, self-worth, and genuine connections—over the superficiality of fame and public perception.

The writing is engaging, filled with witty dialogue, emotional depth, and vivid descriptions. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader hooked without feeling rushed. The author's ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments creates a rich, immersive experience.

"Under Your Spell" is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and heartfelt moments. Fans of Abby Jimenez and anyone looking for a feel-good, inspiring read will absolutely adore this book. It's a five-star journey that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us all that sometimes, a little bit of magic is all we need.

Was this review helpful?

Atria eARC
I am a sucker for a rockstar/normal person romance, so I was so excited to read this one, and it did not disappoint. I didn't know too much going in, and I liked that. It made learning about Clementine's family so much fun. From the first page, I was invested in these sister's and their goings on. I also fell quick for Theo and the way he was introduced into the story. The forced proximity trope created such delicious tension, and I was anxious to keep turning pages to see how these two would work out. This book was so much fun - especially towards the end. It dealt with heavier topics, but it still balanced them with delightful humor and scenes. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

I loved “Under Your Spell!” This is such a sweet love story that does it all. Clemmie and her two sisters grew up with interesting family dynamics. That’s par for the course when your dad is a Rockstar. Clemmie is at a tough place at the beginning of the story. The sisters make three wishes for their lives, and the wishes may all come true in the most unexpected way. It was great to see this surprising romance bloom and the character growth along the way.

For those who love:
🎵Rockstar MMC
🎵Close Sister Relationships
🎵Forced Proximity
🎵Caretaking
🎵Therapy Rep
🎵Wedding Date

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Synopsis: Three half sisters, all born to the same rock and roller father make a witchy spell to find success and love. The middle sister then has a run in with a rockstar who she swears she could never date, but the spell has other plans.
Pros/cons: At first I thought the witchiness and spell in this book was silly. It almost lost me. But once the story got going I really loved it! The romance is sweet and there is a great sister dynamic. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and would suggest it as a light romcom! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy- it is due out this month!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars Under Your Spell by Laura Wood was an unexpected and charming forced proximity, celebrity romance!

Clementine Monroe is not having a good time; she's been dumped by her cheating boyfriend, fired from her dream job, and is about to lose her apartment. When she and her sisters Lil and Serena get drunk, they convince Clementine to revive a childhood ritual called the Breakup Spell and it seems to work when Clemmie has a hot one-night-stand. Serena then offers Clemmie a job to spend six weeks alone with rockstar Theo Elliot to make sure that he finishes his next album. Only problem is--Theo's her one night stand and the most famous man on the planet. As the daughter of a rock star, Clemmie's been caught in the spotlight before and refuses to date a celebrity, so she needs to stay away from Theo while completing this job. The more time they spend together, secluded in a northern English cottage, Theo and Clemmie begin to weave their own special magic and a bond that neither of them can deny.

Under Your Spell is definitely one of the best books I've read this year and it was so utterly charming. Clementine's personal journey and the insights she got into herself through both therapy and her stay with Theo were relatable to anyone who's faced self-doubt and the feeling of being unmoored. I loved how Theo and Clemmie's relationship developed from one-night-stand to friendship to more. The progression felt natural and provided some slow burn after their initial hookup. I couldn't put this one down and read the entire thing in one day!

Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Clementine is dumped and her contract job ends. She reminisces with her two half-sisters about the spells they did as kids to get her life back on track. The three girls grew up, with their three moms, living in a big compound so they are very close. Their mutual father is an aging rock star who is only remotely involved in their lives. When her record producer sister hires Clementine to babysit a musician while he completes his album in the English countryside, Clementine knows it will be strictly professional because she doesn't trust musicians because of her father- except he happens to be the random hot guy who she had a one-night stand with after a funeral. And he's a major superstar with a huge following.

I really enjoyed this rock star/mortal romance. I liked that the character of Clementine had a bit more inter struggle with the complication of her father and already had a strained relationship to stardom and media. It was well plotted and entertaining, and I really enjoyed this novel.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Was this review helpful?