Honestly, this book is lovely. It's well written and the romance is sweet. I docked a star because every now and then there was a line or dialogue or an idea that was a little too contemporary to be in a fantasy book. However, I understand that This Fatal Kiss is on a teen imprint. I look forward to reading more from the series.

Its a whimsical and beautiful tale! I enjoyed Gisela and Kazik's playful (cough flirty) banter, and how Aleksey is woven into the group. I love the lore and the background of the story, and how it was so atmospheric and immersive. Adore the rusalki girls! It was heartwarming and felt like a good cup of tea aaaaaaa I really enjoyed it!

(4.5/5)

this was my first time reading an earc, and i'm so happy i got to read this amazing fantasy. it's been awhile since i felt such joy reading a book!

this whimsical tale highlights slavic folklore, which i was quite unaware of. experiencing a fantasy from a different culture was fascinating.
it's a rich story of love, identity, and magic. gisela's hope to return to her family, especially her younger brother, was relatable, reflecting the desire to protect younger siblings.
i cannot emphasize enough how much i loved the setting! the incorporation of slavic mythology creates an immersive atmosphere that is both enchanting and eerie. ngl, i felt slightly spooked at times (which i loved), and the mystery was thrilling!
the poignant quest for humanity forms the emotional core of the story, driving the plot and the protagonist's character development. the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, belonging, and the nature of humanity.
gisela’s desire to reclaim her life makes her a resilient and hopeful character. i enjoyed her a lot. optimists are always my favorite in fiction ♡ the depiction of a found family is heartwarming, highlighting bonds of love and loyalty that anyone can feel.

the poly romance (mmf) at the heart of the story is handled with sensitivity and nuance. each character is well-developed, with their own backstories and motivations, making their relationship feel authentic and compelling. both male leads are intriguing characters. kazik is the cutest, and i can't wait to know more about aleksey beyond what we know now. i love how the book takes time to let us know them!

and now i am already waiting for the second book!

#ThisFatalKiss #NetGalley

A whimsical fantasy filled with dark magic and flirty, polyamorous romance?! Sign me up!

What I loved about this book:
1. The main female character, Gisela - flirty, witty, funny, chaotic, she brought sooo much personality to the book. I was really invested in her story!
2. The setting is absolutely beautiful. A pixie core spa town with soo much flora, fauna & bustling tourist town vibes!! Bonus point - the cover matches that aesthetic to the dot!
3. The romance was unexpected for me, I didn't know this was a polyamorous fantasy but I loved it. All 3 characters has distinct personalities, cute to read!
4. The extra pizazz that POLISH FOLKLORE adds to this book was mind-blowing to me. The author ended up bringing up sooo many elements with seamless penmanship. I was in awe esp for the first few chapters.

However, this book rambles on for sooo long that I had to remind myself to get back to it since my mind veered off reading this. The author repeats the same point over and over which got very boring and I just wanted to reach the end

Overall, this was definitely a unique YA romantasy that I enjoyed.

I’m not sure what I just read.

Walking into this, I was expecting something within the realm and Lore of Allison Saft, but with the chemistry and drama of Jennifer Lynn Barnes— I think, instead, it leaned a bit too far to the latter. This book read YA the way Twilight reads YA: its handling rather adult themes, but is choked attempts at being “like the cool kids” that the dialogue felt cringe worthy. Its a super unique and interesting idea, the concept has enough foundation to lead you through the story without too many questions, but I also felt spoon-fed…

Gisela is a nymph, and for those who like Siren/Mermaid mischievous, this is within that vein. Kazik was something between Aiden Thomas’s characters and… something else I can’t quite place. He had a bit more naivety than I expected, especially if he’s so determined to make his mark. I wish I loved them more, but the quips and I just weren’t vibing. I think this is a classic case of “its not you, its me.”

That being said, the LGBTQIA+ representation is quite healthy in this one. I loved seeing the diversity and messiness of our main characters. This acts as a good self-discovery, coming of (young adult) age story that I really enjoyed from a literary perspective.

But personally, the almost TV-drama conversations and teasing was a but young for my taste… this book prevails in whimsy and vibes.

The book is about Slavic mythology, introducing a variety of legendary figures. The main character is Gisela, a Rusalka, which is the water spirit of a girl who died violently near water. She desires nothing more than to become human again. When she learns that all it takes is a kiss from a human, she makes it her mission to get that kiss. She even hires Kazik, the local exorcist who should actually be her archenemy, as a matchmaker, since she has her sights set on his school friend Aleksey. The following chapters are full of teasing, flirting, and lots of humor, making the pages fly by.

I could hardly put the book down and often found myself grinning or laughing out loud. The book has a wonderfully light yet mythical atmosphere that is hard to put into words.

I found the treatment of sexuality particularly interesting, as the romantic relationship is polyamorous and pansexual, and there are many other examples of queer love in the book. Despite this, the book also shows how conservative society can be and the impact this has on dealing with one's own sexuality - including feelings of guilt, justification, or hiding it from older family members.

Due to the many unique words for the legendary figures, I wouldn't recommend the book to beginners in reading English books. There are also occasionally more difficult terms. Nevertheless, I found it very fluid to read and rarely stumbled over words.

Overall, a great book, although I would have liked the ending to be a bit more detailed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 stars - I highly recommend it! It will be released on September 10th - pre-order it!

In this beautiful spa village, danger lurks. It might be the rusałki, the spirits of maidens who died violent deaths. It might be the local exorcist, hell-bent on getting his power under crontrol. Or it might be something else altogether…
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This Fatal Kiss is fast-paced and full of whimsy, which kept me entertained the whole time. I read the first 50% of this book in one sitting! What I appreciate most was that despite the plot moving quickly, no understanding was spared. I felt like I had been dropped into the setting and I could picture it perfectly. And the author’s sense of humor kept me smirking and laughing out loud. I’m laughing now just rereading my Kindle highlights. This is a fantasy tale, but it also tackles some tender discussions about bisexuality and polyamory.
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I was a little frustrated when I finished the book and there were still a few loose ends or things I was wondering about. The author has said that she’s working on a sequel, which hopefully the publisher will green light if the first book does well. (Side note: I NEED IT TO DO WELL. I have to have the sequel, okay?!) Some dialogue was repetitive and some of the modern slang the characters used took me out of the setting for a minute, but I also know it’s an eARC that’s subject to change. These things could have already been revised. Regardless, the story is amazing and I encourage everyone to go into it with an open heart and an open mind because this book is loads of fun.
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Thank you to NetGalley, PeachTree Teen, and Alicia Jasinska for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Gisela, a water nymph, is cursed and longs to return to the living world to reunite with her family. The key to breaking her curse and regaining her humanity lies in receiving a kiss from a mortal—Kazik is on a mission to rid the world of monstrous creatures like Gisela. When Kazik fails to exorcise Gisela, she blackmails him to help her find a mortal to kiss to reverse the curse. Complications arise when Kazik develops feelings for the same person as Gisela.

Who doesn't like a love triangle? This book is based on folklore that blends elements of fairytales and fantasy. The banter between Gisela and Kazik is humorous. Gisela's character is particularly compelling as a determined individual resonates. Kazik's internal struggles add complexity to the story. My main issues are the repetitiveness and the pacing. Overall, the story is enjoyable, plus the cover art is outstanding.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Peachtree Teen.

This Fatal Kiss Review
ARC Review

Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Gisela, a water nymph, is seeking a kiss from a human so that she may return to her human form. However, her efforts are thwarted at every turn by Kazik, the exorcist. Kazik finds Gisela to be a pest causing trouble, as he does most other spirits. He captures Gisela and is ready to exorcise her when the unthinkable happens, his magic sputters out.

An unexpected friendship blooms between the two, as Kazik agrees to help Gisela get a kiss so that she can become human again. Though he didn’t realize she was seeking a kiss from a boy he also liked.

This story is based around Slavic folklore, which I really enjoyed. Gisela is such a fun and witty character. I loved Gisela and Kazik’s interactions and banter. The author did such a great job with the progression of their relationship. This book is a polyamorous romance, and I felt like the third character didn’t get quite the same progression with the trio’s relationship. However, this is only the first book and I’m hoping we get more!

The author painted a cozy, fairytale atmosphere with this book. She had so much queer representation (gender fluid, bisexual, transgender) and a lot of positive messages for young people who are trying to understand their sexuality. She also discusses the social issues they may face (i.e. hiding their sexuality from family/friends, people not understanding/judging them, etc). This book is YA and therefore has no more spice than a heated kiss, which also seemed appropriate for the story.

The book ends with a cliff hanger so I’m really hoping for a second book! This book releases on September 10th! If you like whimsical fairytales, cottage core, found family, polyamorous love triangles, and magic, consider adding this to your TBR!

DNF at 40%

I was eager to read This Fatal Kiss due to its intriguing premise — I’m a big fan of whimsical romantic fantasies, especially if they also include elements of folklore and fairy tales. This Fatal Kiss delivered with its charming, magical vibes, however, I couldn’t connect to the characters and I felt like the tone of the story was off. I also felt like the dialogue was too modern and didn’t fit the vibes of the story in the way that I was expecting. The set-up of what I did read was interesting, but not enough to hold my attention all the way through. It was interesting and fresh though to see polyamorous characters in a young adult fantasy book as I don’t think there are many in the genre.

Thank you NetGalley & Alicia for allowing me to read this e-ARC, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read! 💚

Rating: 4/5 ⭐

My review:

The premise of This Fatal Kiss is undeniably enchanting, promising a mix of dark magic, whimsical settings, and a flirty, polyamorous romance that is not often seen in YA fantasy..
Well done Alicia! 👏🏻

The story centers on Gisela, a water nymph cursed to haunt a river and longing to return to her family. Her path crosses with Kazik, a spirit hunter with diminishing magic, leading to an intriguing, albeit complex, partnership.

✨ Strengths:

1. Magical Setting: The depiction of the magical spa town and its spirit inhabitants is beautifully vivid. I was OBSESSED with the folklore element - finding out so much about different types of dark spirits, their names & how they go about their business. The author has a knack for world-building, creating a backdrop that is both mystical, captivating and truly immersive.

2. Character Dynamics: Gisela and Kazik's reluctant alliance evolves in interesting ways, particularly as Kazik's personal struggles and Gisela's desperation to become human again create a rich, tenseness that you can feel through the pages. The water goblin was also a fantastic addition, I felt I had a soft spot for him.

3. Queer Representation: The inclusion of a polyamorous romance and queer characters is super refreshing and a first for me! It definitely adds a layer of diversity that is much needed in the genre. The exploration of these relationships is handled with sensitivity and care.

When the major plot twist occurs, I was completely thrown back & loved this about TFK!

✨ Weaknesses:

1. Pacing: While the setting and characters are compelling, the pacing of the plot often feels uneven. The initial build-up is slow, and just when the story begins to gain momentum, it falters, leading to a sense of slight frustration.

2. Polyamorous Relationship Development: Given the blurb's promise of a flirty, polyamorous romance - the interactions and emotional depth between Gisela, Kazik, and the handsome Aleksey could have been more fully developed! I was hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for their romance to blossom more. The romantic tension is 100% there, but it often feels like it’s on the periphery rather than the focus.

3. The ending: The climax and resolution of the story leave something to be desired. Key plot points, particularly concerning Gisela's past and the resolution of her curse, feel rushed and lack the emotional payoff that the buildup warrants.

I really wanted to not read about Alekseys' POV in the epilogue.. I wanted them to be together in Kaziks' room discussing what went down & where they wanted to go or how they saw their polyamorous relationship developing. I feel there was a big space where Alicia could really spice things up 👀

✨Conclusion:

TFK is a whimsical and darkly enchanting read that promises a unique blend of magic and subtle romance. While the setting and character dynamics are strengths, the pacing and development of the polyamorous relationship leave room for improvement. Fans of queer romantasy and fairy tales will find much to enjoy, but those looking for a deeply satisfying romantic read might be left wanting more..

✨Recommendation: For readers who enjoy lush world-building and unique character interactions, TFK is worth a read, even if the romance element might not fully satisfy.

I can't wait to see what the sequel will be like & will definitely be picking it up, maybe I've been too impatient & this was all part of building the storyline and deeper romance of the three characters... 🤔 I do love a steamy ending.

This was fantastic! A love triangle mixed with Slavic folklore! I was wondering before I picked it up if it would be too sappy, but it wasn’t at all. It had just the right amount of tension. I highly recommend this and am looking forward to the next book!

This Fatal Kiss is a magical joy to read. It's full of mythology, learning friendships, a poly romance, positive family figures and more! I loved the dynamic between the three main characters, and the secret one of them keeps is so intriguing. I'm already excited for book two.

I spent the entire time reading This Fatal Kiss kicking my legs and giggling. This book was a quick-paced, whimsical read with a bi4bi4bi poly relationship that I adored. Jasinska does an excellent job of balancing the lighthearted banter with the darker aspects of Slavic mythology. This Fatal Kiss is genuinely one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while, and recommend it to anyone with a passion for mythology and urban fantasy.

I did feel mildly let down by the ending, I believe a little bit more clarity and finality would've made this read more enjoyable for me. Despite this, This Fatal Kiss is the most deserved 4 star read I've read all year. I will definitely be looking into Jasinska's other work after this one.

4/5 stars
0/5 spice

“This Fatal Kiss” is a cozy & heartwarming YA romantasy inspired by Slavic folklore. In TFK, a young rusalka (water nymph), Gisela, employs the help of Kazik (an exorcist) so she can get a kiss from a mortal—which she needs to fulfil her dream of becoming human again.

🌟 The great parts 🌟

- Poly love/ love triangle
- Triple POV narration, so we can enjoy the poly romance properly!!
- Loved the banter among Kazik, Aleksey & Gisela
- Interesting rep of Slavic folklore
- Heartwarming found family among Gisela, Woychiev & the other rusalka
- A perfect & heartfelt ending that also left me wanting more (a sequel please, Alicia)!!

☠️ The not-so-good parts ☠️

- It took me a little while to get invested in the characters’ relationships, but it was worth it
- TFK doesn’t contain as much poly romance as the book’s synopsis might suggest
- A little tricky to track the different types of Slavic spirits, but that’s more of a me problem than a book problem 😂

This book is personally not my cup of tea but I do not think it is a bad book in any way. I personally could not get into this and had trouble feeling engaged with the plot. I think it is hard to find engaging fantasy and this was not an exception for me. I do think people who are more into the genre will like this however. The writing is pretty good and the world building is definitely there. I really enjoyed the unique mythology world that this took place in and it felt like a fresh take on fantasy. I also think it is nice to see more polyamory rep in books even if I do not think it was done perfectly. I personally did not love this book but I think there are people out there who definitely will.

I was so excited when I saw Alicia Jasinska had written another book. Her characteristic humor is very present in this one and I love that way the story was told with three different perspectives. I think that the romance was handled well and the banter was really fun. Gisela as a character is also just a very fun person to read about. I also loved having two more easy-going characters to kind of join together in teasing the more grumpy one.

I also found the folklore of this story extremely interesting and found myself wanting to know more about all the different kinds of spirits. I really hope this book gets the love it deserves because a sequel feels on the horizon after the way it ended.

Overall just a very enjoyable read, I finished it in two days!

This book was so beautifully written. I am new to fantasy, and this was a wonderful introduction to the genre. The world building was done very well, and I especially appreciated the pronunciation/definition guide at the beginning!

I absolutely loved Gisela and Kazik, and it was so lovely watching their relationship grow. They had undeniable chemistry, both platonic and romantic. I loved seeing Kazik's feelings for Gisela develop. I also enjoyed Aleksey, and how he meshed with Gisela and Kazik. The polyamorous aspect to their relationships was wonderful, and I really enjoyed that it wasn't a major concern for any of them. It was just 'loving multiple people is okay and beautiful' and not frowned upon. I thought the casual queerness of all our main characters, as well as a few side characters, was amazing.

I enjoyed the storyline a lot. Some of it felt a bit repetitive and maybe unnecessary, and I feel this book could've been shorter. However, I loved the characters so much, and didn't mind getting to spend more time with them. I'd love to read another book with these characters!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I adore the concept for this book and had such a fun time reading it! This Fatal Kiss follows Gisela, a girl who became a water nymph after she drowned on a night she cannot remember. Gisela longs to become human again, and the only way to do this is to be kissed by a mortal. While she usually antagonizes the town's demon exorcist/witch, Kazik, she manages to wrangle him into helping her woo Aleksey. I really appreciated how the romance between the tree main characters develops and I really liked all three of them by the end. I especially liked seeing Kazik's internal conflict about how to treat magical creatures. They live in a town that is famous / a tourist attraction because of its spas/bathhouses, which gave a kind of Studio Ghibli vibe to the setting.

I think this book will work really well for young readers today! I personally struggled a bit with the writing style/tone. I was expecting something kind of gothic or timeless, and definitely more serious (along the lines of Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim), but the writing here is more modern, with characters using contemporary phrases in their dialogue. The way our three main characters discuss their sexuality and gender feels firmly rooted to how we think about those things today. The word-building is a bit off because of this, but not in a way that hurts the plot or story really. We mostly know that the story is set in a time where old traditions, magic, and lore are being questioned and true belief is fading. There is also a mystery aspect involved about how Gisela dies that takes the characters a while to figure out, but I think the reader can see it coming pretty clearly. Without spoiling anything, Aleksey's character is a bit underdeveloped in comparison to the other two becaues of this.

This book is such a gem; the Slavik folklore aspects are so fun and this is only the second poly YA book I've seen (the other being Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao). I wish this book had been around for me to read when I was young, and I would recommend to any YA fairytale/fantasy romance readers! This book ends kind of on a cliffhanger, so I am eager to read the next book and see what is next for our characters.

- i love the slavic folklore in this book! it read like a fairytale and was very whimsy 😌
- i was excited to read a poly book since i haven’t read many before but the only relationship that felt developed was the one between kazik and gisela 😩 their dynamic is cute and i like how their relationship developed
- parts of this book felt really repetitive tho, especially how the author always explicitly writes out gisela’s decision to “fall back on her flirtatious personality” when she feels flustered 😭
- if this is a standalone that would be rly disappointing since the ending felt really incomplete and rushed, with a major plot point that’s never resolved 🥲