This was SUCH a refreshing voice and vibe for a fantasy book. It has such a natural charm and is perfect for devouring on a train trip or holiday read.

This Fatal Kiss is a heartwarming Slavic folklore-inspired cosy fantasy book. The story follows Gisela, a young rusałka (water nymph), who wants to transform back into a human and return to the life she had before meeting her untimely death and becoming a water nymph. Gisela meets Kazik, the local spirit exorcist, and the two make an unlikely pair as they reluctantly work together to help Gisela return to her human form.

The setting and storyline are a blend of dark, whimsy and comforting - the perfect book to pick up this autumn. I absolutely adored the themes of found family and female friendships explored here. The rusałka are all young girls who met an untimely and brutal death, and it is so comforting but also touching to see the sisterly love blossom between them. The story also focuses on other types of spirits from Slavic folklore, showing you that these feared spirits may not be as malicious as they first appear. I loved the amalgamation of various spirits at work in this story and how they are adored, respected, and feared by locals.

The romance plotline in here is incredibly wholesome and will leave you feeling warm and cosy from the inside out. The romance was written in a way that felt genuine and organic which made this a joy to read.

All in all, this is a beautiful YA fantasy that I loved reading and definitely recommend you pick up. If you are looking for a cosy fantasy book to dig into this autumn, look no further! The cover art is also stunning. I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy so I can add it to my shelf.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and PeachTree Teen for the eArc.

I was drawn to This Fatal Kiss for its beautiful cover and fantasy story centering on folklore. It was circumstantial that I found out the romance involved polyamory and the cast was full of queer characters, which let me to seek out the Arc. I’m so grateful to have been able to read this story that ticked so many boxes for me.

The story had no problem getting me attached to the characters right away. I adored Gisela, one of our main characters, her personality and perspective chapters. She is a type of character that I don’t often find myself fond of but I loved how she interacted with everyone and the journey she went through. The layers of her character were so well thought out and even when she was being infuriating, it was entertaining. Likewise, Aleksey, the boy Gisela is seeking a kiss from, was a favorite character. His perspective chapters were scrumptious, rare as they were. I only wish we got more of them. He’s so much more of an interesting character inside his own head, and I can only dream for the sequel where we will get more of his perspective chapters. I especially hope to see more of the side characters.

I enjoyed the slow roll out of the various mysteries posed, learning about Gisela’s past and what Aleksey’s deal was. The breadcrumbs were laid out in a way that kept you feeling like you were learning things and on a path of discovery while at the same time posing future questions for the reader to look forward to answers for. Still, ending had me gnashing my teeth and punching the air and immediately desperate for more. I wasn’t ready for it to be over. On one hand, I had grown too attached to the characters and wasn’t ready to part with them, especially some side characters who we were just getting to know, and because I felt a large plot point that had been dangled like a carrot in front of me was cruelly yanked away at the last moment. I find a book with unresolved character conflict very frustrating.

I loved the world from the fantasy aspect, meeting and interacting with various creatures with Polish folklore and what magic they used, and the descriptions of both the fantastical locations and the human village were beautiful and set a grand scene. But, I couldn’t place the time of the setting to a point of frustration. There are phone booths mentioned something phased out more than a decade ago at best, most common in the mid-20th century at worst, but weirdly modern phrases are used like “Sky Daddy” and “wasn’t that a whole mood.” I could forgive the anachronistic setting if not for the memes pulling me out of the story more than once. Near the end a character says “Be the monster girlfriend I want to see in the world.” So are there computers and iPhones for water nymphs to know memes from?

All in all, though I feel if my biggest complaint is there are a few misplaced silly phrases and a cliffhanger, it’s a pretty good book. The whimsical nature of the story and lightheartedness balanced well with the stakes given and kept me engaged, especially from halfway in to the end. I’m excited for a sequel godwilling and would definitely recommend This Fatal Kiss to anyone who is interested in stories steeped in folklore about growing from trauma and finding your family. I’m putting my rating at 3.5/5 and will round up for poly rep.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for allowing me to read this early!
This book not only has a stunning cover, but a stunning story! The language and plot capture the reader and transport them into a world of whimsy. Magic, poly romance and characters you can’t help but love, this is one you can’t miss!

This fatal kiss follows a mischievous water nymph named Gisela as she tries to regain her humanity. To do this she blackmails the local exorcist into trying to help her find a boy willing to kiss her. This book was a fun read. I enjoyed the plot and it certainly had the vibes I was looking for. I went into reading this book expecting it to be a standalone, but it seems that it’s not. I’m glad I’ll get to see more of this universe eventually, however I don’t want to wait to get my hands on a sequel. The plot was definitely predictable, but it was still engaging and it was exciting to see how the characters reacted to all twists that went on in the book! Overall I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and sweet romance!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I first saw this book on Instagram, where the author had just posted the cover. My jaw was dropped. On the floor. It was gorgeous. I was already imagining what it would look like on my bookshelf, where it would be on display, where it would tuck beside. (Having read this, I can say that it is going on the shelf with the favourites, beside the folksy likes of Holly Black and Alison Saft).

First of all, I have long been a strong petitioner of love-triangles ending in polyamory. I've seen a few fantasy throuples/polyamory relationships crop up in recent years, and I have devoured every single one. I can safely say that this one is one of my favourites. I don't super believing in marketing books by tropes, but I do dearly love when the more tender/soft-hearted/morally staunch character has the backing of a much more scary being right behind them. The loyal gaurd dog, if you will. And while, at the point that this happens, neither of the "monster" characters are particularly loyal Kazik, both are obviously united in their desire to protect him (and each other). An exorcist whose powers are inexplicapbly waning, protected by two beings that he would otherwise be sworn to excorsize.

It's a deliciously tense set up, and only grows more so as it is revealed that their and their motivations are all linked to a single night, where a chain reaction of events lead to Gisela's premature death and transformation into a rusalka (a magical being I have longed to see more of in mainstream folk-fanatsy).

I also loved the contrast between traditional folklore and folk-creatures and a (relatively) modern fantasy setting. The entirety of the book takes place at a resort-and-spa island, which is fascinating and unique, and I wish we could have seen more of it in context of the story, but I understand why we didn't. This is a book that moves quick, and it does so by keeping a lot of the story contained to the personal. It hovers close to the characters and their internal motivations. It feels true to life for the characters, who have spent large amounts of time in the same place. They wouldn't marvel with fascination like a tourist. Certainly not when they are busy with the situations they found themselves in, struggling to find purpose, to reclaim their lives.

The romance was so sweet. I want to say there was an innocence to it, despite both Kazik and Gisela having been party to flirtations and hook-ups prior to meeting each other (and I can only assume the same of Aleksey). I think it's the fact it seems to be the first time they experience love, and how it seems to bother them so much. These are two characters that enjoy true understand for the first time, can be themselves for the first time, but seem to function diametrically inside the world they live. Monster and Monster-Hunter. Even with Aleksey's character, there is an echo of that relationship again, another facet of tension. Except, the reader is never truly worried about a love-triangle. It seems obvious that all party's involved are interested in each other equally as much. It's interesting to see their dynamic, how the qualities they like in each other are reflections of the other person, are mirrors to things about themselves they shy away from.

I was feeling pretty giddy while reading this, to say the least. I enjoyed it immensley. I loved the characters, the magic, the setting. The plot is one familiar to romance readers, but it's evergreen in This Fatal Kiss, and fresh once again by incorporating polyamory.

I dearly hope that this gets a second book. The story of this book, while self-contained, feels unfinished. There is more to explore, and the ending, while happy (SPOILER) for 2/3 of the character POVS, I would love to go 3/3 in book two.

Thanks NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This was a fun book that is steeped in folklore, and also has a sweet poly storyline that kept me going! The characters were easy to fall for, and quite funny.

The first half was a bit slow, but I am happy I stuck with it. I thoroughly enjoyed the second half.

Some things did feel a bit over-explained, there were parts I felt could have been edited down or out.

Overall a fun read though! 3.5/5

Heart-fluttering poly romance and intriguing magical mysteries – “This Fatal Kiss” is an enchanting delight.

The town of Lésna Woda is the perfect backdrop for a romantic fairy tale: a lively town with beautiful cottage-core vibes and dark magic hidden beneath the surface. Normally, the use of casual speech in this type of setting would throw me off, but in this case, I found it pretty fun and refreshing. Like, the unexpected contrast somehow made the story seem more magical to me?

Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey are such lovable characters. Gisela was my favorite; she always had me giggling. Her dynamic with Kazik was a thrill. Shamelessly flirting with the grumpy pretty boy trying to exorcise you? I was immediately hooked.

[ “You shouldn’t leave your bedroom window open, Kazik. You never know what kind of wicked creature might crawl in.” ]

Aleksey stole my heart from his introduction because of how gentle he is with animals. I enjoyed trying to figure out the secretive parts about him. And I liked how protective he was of Gisela, and how delectable he found Kazik. Overall, the budding relationship between the three protagonists felt very natural and sweet.

[ Kazik scowled. Aleksey shared a conspiratorial look with Gisela. “He’s also cute when he’s angry, isn’t he?” ]

Side note – personally, I love when the FMC has a group of female friends (especially when several of the girls are queer!). I feel like I don’t see that enough in the fantasy genre? So the scenes where Gisela gossips with the other water nymphs, when they fight together, and when they support each other were all a breath of fresh air.

There is some unfinished business at the end, so I’m really anticipating a sequel!

Note: Thank you to Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an e-ARC of This Fatal Kiss!

Rating: 4/5/5 stars!

Summary: Gisela is a rusalka, the spirit of a girl who drowned and refused to move on. Since she’s heard a freely-given kiss from a human man can make her human again, she’s been doing her best to get one. Kazik is a human with the abilities and knowledge to exorcise spirits like Gisela, bent on making sure Gisela doesn’t hurt any of the human boys she’s set her sights on, until he learns she doesn’t intend to harm any of them. After he fails to exorcise her, Gisela recruits Kazik into helping her court a human boy in order to get her kiss, the handsome Aleksey, whom Kazik also has a crush on, and who might not be what he seems.

Review: This is the cozy, warm poly romance you’ve been looking for! Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey are all so cute and I was rooting for them the entire way. There’s mysteries throughout the book, such as Gisela’s cause of death (she can’t remember), the reason Kazik’s powers aren’t working, and what’s going on with Aleksey that help flesh out the world and bring the characters together. Despite how dark the folklore this book is based on is, this is a humorous, mostly light-hearted romance that focuses on its character relationships, which are done spectacularly!
I don’t know what else to say but that I love this book and adore it with all my being, and I can’t wait for a sequel!

The cover of this book won me over but it didn't live up to expectations for me. The characters were likable but the story felt flat and slow. The use of modern dialogue also took me out of the world. I wish this had worked for me.

From the moment I picked up this book, I knew I was in for something special. Yes, I’ll admit it—I was initially drawn in by the stunning cover (guilty as charged for judging a book by its cover), but I stayed for the beautifully woven story that unfolded within its pages. This book has easily become one of my favourite reads of the year.

The author has masterfully brought to life a tale that is as captivating as it is heartwarming. The rich tapestry of folklore and superstition, deeply rooted in Slavic traditions, spoke to my heart in a way that few books have managed to do. It wrapped me up in its world and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

The characters are truly something special. Gisela, our female main character, is an absolute delight. As a water nymph cursed to haunt the river, she’s full of life (despite her ghostly nature) and possesses a sharp wit and charming personality that makes her impossible not to love. Then there’s Kazik, the brooding, interfering spirit-hunter, who might just be my new fictional crush. His connection with Gisela is both endearing and complex, adding depth to the story.

One of the aspects I appreciated most was the author’s ability to create characters who experience attraction without the need for labels. It’s refreshing to see a narrative where love and attraction are free from the confines of definitions, allowing the characters to simply be who they are.

I’m incredibly curious about the backstories of the other characters, like Wojciech and Kazik's grandmother. There’s so much potential there, and I’m hoping that the sequel dives deeper into their lives. In fact, my only complaint is that the story ended—I’m eagerly crossing my fingers for a second part. If the author doesn’t write one, I’ll be extremely sad.

All in all, this is a 5-star read that has earned a permanent spot on my trophy shelf. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy. If you’re a fan of whimsical fantasies with a touch of dark magic and a dash of polyamorous romance, this book is a must-read.

From the middle of the book on, I didn't even feel like I was reading a book of about 400 pages, it captured my attention so well, but the beginning was at least difficult for me. I didn't necessarily feel like I was in the story as I was reading, but I was captivated along the way. All's well that ends well.

I really liked the fact that the names of the characters are different from the ones I have met so far and I appreciated the author's help regarding the pronunciation of the names and types of spirits. I am 100% sure I would have mispronounced them if it weren’t for the list from the beginning of the book.

The love story is so pure and sweet, a slowburn in the truest sense of the word. I realized from the cover design who the lovers would be, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover a love triangle. The story is so well written and the action is mega fluid it felt like I was behind Kazik, Gisela and Aleksey while they were going on with their lives.

I would like to know more about Wojciech's story with Kasia though... Was there also a love triangle? Was it just a love story that wasn't meant to be? I can only make up my own scenarios in my head and I assure you there are many.

All in all, I had a great time with this story and I cherished the time spent with its characters.

I had a good time reading this book. The world in which the action takes place is indeed whimsical. The descriptions of the surroundings were beautifully written. I think the magical setting that is so closely interlaced with nature is my favorite thing about this book. It gave me a cozy feeling.
One small problem, I would say, is the lack of placing the story in a more defined time frame. If I remember correctly, it is mentioned something about the old times and some war. It was a bit too vague for me, but it did not ruin my reading experience. Perhaps these details would be better explained in the next book.
The world building was well balanced out with the action and the dialogue. Concerning the dialogue, I found the characters' way of speaking very modern ( a bit gen Z-esque). In my head, this was a bit in disagreement with the general feeling of the setting. But as it is young adult I understand the appeal towards a younger audience. I also felt that it was a bit drawn out at the end as the signs of the love interest were so clear to me and yet the characters seem blind to those signs.
Overall, I liked how the story unfolded. It was fast-paced or at least I finished it pretty fast. The events were predictable at times but that did not ruin the book for me what so ever. Curios to see what happens further.

Queer fantasy is just top tier, and this book is no different. The antics the characters get up to while also having serious moments is great. I also really love the magic system in this world.

*Received as a free ARC*
I'm always down for a good mythology/folklore inspired book, but I was also extremely intrigued by the concept of a YA book with a poly romance. And boy howdy was it done well. None of them are perfect, but they complement each other and are written beautifully. My only complaint is that there were some anachronistic turns of phrases that didn't fit with the historical setting. Seems like there might be a second book and I eagerly await it.

3.75

Interesting storyline and I enjoyed the lore but couldn't connect to the characters :(

Cursed to haunt the river running through the magical spa town where she drowned, Gisela is a water nymph who dreams of returning to the living world and the family she left behind. All it takes to regain her humanity is a kiss from a mortal...but everyone sees her as a monster.

The e-book file received was so poorly formatted that I simply would not read it. It is extremely important for books to be triple checked for these sorts of mistakes.

Furthermore, the text started right after the page with the ISBN and such.

I tried to read the first chapter, but the next chapter had tje same problem, and thus I shan't read further. However, ontop of the problems with format, the first chapter was slightly heavy

I've always enjoyed books heavily steeped in folklore and this one is no exception.

The central relationship is pretty adorable although Kazik is my personal favorite of the three. I find it odd though that Aleskey is decidedly absent from the cover art of the book but it makes slight sense given he is the least fleshed out of the three characters.

While the book for the mostpart is atmosphericly and narratively sound, my biggest critique stems from the dialogue. There are many moments where a modern sense of humor possesses the text leading to quippy lines that feel out of place in this setting.

There is also the matter of characters constantly remaining on the precipice of growth and change. It's just a little frustrating to see the story beats that should indicate change in characters like Kazik that are immediately walked back on.

I loved how original this story was! This folklore this had its roots in was so different from the same old thing that you read about everywhere else. I loved seeing Gisela interact with the other water spirits, and how differently they all reacted to their deaths.

This book was love triangles done right...where all of the characters fall for each other. The romance and interactions between the characters were so sweet and moving.

The vibe was very enchanting and whimsical. I loved how nature based the setting and magic were.

When Gisela was a mortal she was drowned, now she exists as a spirit. The kiss from a mortal will break her of her curse and she spends her time trying to get the local townspeople to grant her a kiss. But the local exorcist has made it his mission to match Gisela and free her spirit. When he finally catches her, she is set free by a mysterious man, who she sets her sights on. A man who Kazik, the exorcist, also has feelings for. The two are forced to work together to get the man to fall for them and in the process develop feelings for each other.

I love how everything this author has written is so different, yet their voice remains strong across each! This was lush and beautiful, and I ate it up.