Thank you to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC!

In the small spa town of Lesna Woda, it's Green Week once again. It's the time of year when the living leaves offerings to the spirits in the hope of keeping themselves safe. Gisela, a water nymph, is trying to claim a kiss so she can return to the living. In her way is the town exorcist, Kazik. When he finally has the chance to exorcise her his powers fail, thus giving her a chance to strike a deal. Help her get a kiss. As it turns out Kazik also has a crush on the guy she has sights on!

The interactions between Gisela and Kazik are fun and snappy, they’re such joys to read! Gisela also has a bit of a mystery to her. She doesn’t remember how she died, and that hook kept me going. Kazik getting flustered all the time is very funny to me. Boy, you are 18! You should be in the club! The last part of the triangle is Aleksey… well he’s alright. I can’t really say much. He does have some very good moments! Overall, I think they’re a very cute triangle!

I enjoyed my time reading this book, and from how it ended looks like we might get more!

Thank you Peachtree Teen and Netgalley for providing this ARC!

This Fatal Kiss was an interesting and moody read. Gisela and Kazik are compelling characters who you want to read more about and understand. Gisela's banter in the book is very funny, while Kazik remarks on a lot of feelings and experiences many people can relate to. The plot is focused on Gisela trying to become human again with the romance playing into that happening. I think the plot started off quickly with the confrontation between these characters, but it did lose some steam in the middle with the ending happening very quickly. Overall, it was a good book, but it was just missing something for me to feel really invested. I wish the stakes felt higher within the love triangle, and that the world building was a bit more clear.

3.5/5

Excuse me while I'm busy having feelings. This queer book with an ACTUAL poly love triangle is so good. It was everything my queer soul needs. I laughed I cried I screamed and trembled.

OMG??! I love this book so much. The writing captured my attention, it's easy to read and very interesting. I feel like I'm in a Studio Ghibli world, the characters have a special place in my heart. Kazik and Gisela's banters are so funny. Even Gisela and Wojciech's interaction. I would never forget the line, "my sweet, deranged summer child" (pls my humor is broken). I read a similar folklore before and it helped that I'm a little familiar with the terms. Though I still love the explanation for each spirits.

The way they just accept everyone's gender is what I love the most. The misconception of being bisexual was also handled properly. Can we all just be this understanding and open in real life?

If you like found family, mystical creatures, and polyamorous love story, this book is for you. And please tell me there's book 2 because you can't just end this like that.

rating this 4.5 stars

All my thanks to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
As soon as I finished this book, I immediately gave it 5 stars, put it on my 'all-time-favorite' shelf, and started writing this review.
- I find the characters to be fascinating, and I adored all of them.
- The polyamorous relationship was done with care and love and the chemistry felt genuine and not forced. And I can say the same thing about the queer representation. One of my biggest pet peeves in books is when something read like a bunch of intended messages or presentations was listed out and scattered all over, and luckily, this book did not fall victim to this occurrence. What Alicia subtly wanted to convey about how the destruction that humans impose on nature was also valuable.
- This is by far the funniest book I've read this year and probably ever. The comedy was delivered smoothly and naturally and did not feel corny at all, especially the banters! While reading, I didn’t get the feeling that the author threw in those lines for them to be some hilarious moments. No matter how tense the situation was, something comedic would always pop up.
- Lastly, I would like to praise Alicia for her writing. Her prose was lyrical, gripping, and hilarious simultaneously. I guess after reading a book, which I gave up on, with careless writing, I became more conscious about the quality of her writing and was able to appreciate it more. Furthermore, I love an author with attention to detail, and Alicia did not disappoint. If Alicia keeps up with this style, she will definitely become my new favorite author!
Overall, I love this book and had an enjoyable time. If Alicia decides to write the sequel, I would definitely read it!

Firstly, thank you Netgalley for the arc. Now onto my thoughts~

This book greatly surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the story as much as I did. I have taken to referring to this book as ‘The little mermaid’ meets ‘The Corpse Bride’
The story itself felt like one of those comforting movies that you watch over and over again.

My favorite part of the book was easily the characters. Gisela in particular was an endearing Female Lead. She was funny and confident while not being arrogant. Her character arc toward setting herself free was well done and one of the best parts of the book. I also loved Kazik, mainly for how self aware he is and his change of perspective as the story goes on.

Another aspect I loved was the family dynamics. Gisela has her group of Rusalka that act as a new family. These side characters, while not too relevant, really added to the story in the end. They help where help is needed, and were the best choice for the major scene near the end. Gisela often thinks of her family from her mortal life, and it was nice to see her slowly realize she didn’t want to be entirely responsible for her younger brother's upbringing.

What the story has in character it lacks in plot. The mystery to be specific. I figured out the plot twists almost immediately, and was able to accurately figure out how the story would go for the last 3rd. The ending was also fairly lackluster. Aleksey doesn’t have a clear resolution which is disappointing. I feel like the ending could have used a scene where all three main characters are present. The ending itself felt rushed like it was trying to end the story as soon after Gisela’s character arc is completed, as possible.

Aside from the predictability, this book was fun and relaxing. It's nice to read a lighthearted Folklore book for a change. Thank you for bringing back chapter titles <3. Solid 4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for a digital arc in exchange for my honest review!

This is a multiple POV story, centered around Gisela- a girl who had met an untimely demise.. who now exists as a water nymph. Legend has it if she can get a kiss from a mortal, she will be able to become a human once more.

Kazik is an exorcist navigating his gift and solitude after the loss of his grandmother who raised him. He is the grumpy to Gisela’s sunshine, and is constantly interfering with her plans at returning to the human realm.

When his plans to get rid of her once and for all fail, they come up with a deal. Kazik will help Gisela, if nothing more than to be rid of her once and for all.

Aleksey is the handsome, mysterious, charming and curious target for Gisela’s kiss.

Let the love triangle (thats actually more of a circle) and games begin.

I found that I really did like the characters of this story. There was Slavic folklore throughout, cute creatures, deceptive demons, and some darker themes about life, loss, and responsibility. I enjoyed the lgbtq representation throughout a variety of characters.

The world building was slightly confusing, as it seemed like it was rather in the past with the culture, but they also had some modern dialogue and the use of cameras.

I think the main thing with this book is that it suffers from the fact that the entire plot could have been solved very quickly. There were other developments along the way, and it is set up for a second book.

If I put myself in a place of reading this as the target audience for poly YA romantasy,
I give it about 3 stars, but overall more 2.5.

This Fatal Kiss was a captivating tale surrounded in folklore and romance and I absolutely loved it. The rusalki and the idea of the undead girls after they had drowned and the Water Goblin and his kingdom was such a fascinating concept. The imagery was enchanting as was the world and the world building. I loved the building romance between Gisela, Kazik and Aleksey. There were so many mysteries woven into this story as well and I found the whole story to be absolutely magical and captivating. When the author is able to set such a vivid and magical scene for the reader it just helps even more to make the story enjoyable and enchanting. This was a solid 5 star read for me!

While reading this book I loved the Cottage/Faerie vibes that I was feeling. Going through the story and hearing how the town was described as well as the characters was what I wanted when reading this book. The romance is something I enjoyed! Reading about Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey as the three main protagonist was amazing. The 3 of them made it where I really enjoyed what was going on and the development as well. I would recommend this book!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

After an untimely and violent death, Gisela is cursed to haunt the local river of a spa town. And while things aren't all bad-- she is welcomed into her new spirit family with open arms, given riches beyond her wildest imagination, and has the chance to be almost sixteen forever-- Gisela is unable to forget the responsibilities of her human life and is willing to do anything to return to her little brother.

Kazik, acting as the village exorcist ever since the death of his deeply beloved grandmother, struggles to shoulder his newfound role and isolates himself from the people he knows. Despite his innate ability to remove the spirits that linger between the human world and the next realm, Kazik's power is starting to falter and the consequences could be disastrous for the people under his care.

The two teenagers, one mortal and one spirit, strike a deal-- Kazik will act as matchmaker and help Gisela seduce a local boy, Aleksey, to help her regain her humanity. If successful, Gisela could return home and there would be one less thorn in Kazi's side. However, love rarely follows a straight path-- and the three become entangled in a plot more convoluted than any of them could dream up.

I'm always on the hunt for books that have the Studio Ghibli feel (think: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Half a Soul, or A Fragile Enchantment), and this book delivered in spades. THIS FATAL KISS was dreamy, romantic and the perfect combination of fantasy and realism. It was unclear when this story took place (my guess would be the early 1900s, but I believe the author was specifically vague), but it had a timeless feel. The robust mythology, whimsical setting, and themes of environmentalism all created something truly magical (pun intended).

But not only does it deliver on the Ghibli side of things, this book delivered LGBTQ+ (primarily bisexual and polyamorous) representation and romance in spades. I also particularly enjoyed Gisela's relationship with the other river spirits-- Gisela was forced to grow up too early in order to help raise her brother, and it was so comforting to see her embraced by a new family so whole heartedly. The consistent love, encouragement, and affection was surprising, but it was a refreshing and realistic take on the importance of found families in people's lives. <spoiler>And the scene between Gisela and Wojciech where he gives her permission (and encouragement) to enjoy living her own life and allow her family to take on the responsibility for their own care healed my inner oldest-daughter complex just a little bit.</spoiler>

While I love a good YA book as an adult, if THIS FATAL KISS had been published when I was actually a teenager, I think I would have been obsessed. As the first part of a duology/series (still unconfirmed), I'm very excited to see where the trio's journey goes next!

Such an interesting book! I absolutely enjoyed having the chance to read something like this. A unique concept and a very interesting romance dynamic. The author managed to include humor in a world that can seem quite frightening. The characters were well fleshed-out and I'd love to learn more about them. Very refreshing to have a book dig into myths and creatures that can be both good and evil. Highly recommend for those who want poly representation, fun banter, and super cool creatures!

“This Fatal Kiss” is a ya fantasy novel written by Alicia Jasinska.

A quaint spa town, crowded tourist destination, perched on the banks of a treacherous river and on the edge of a dark forest. Spa centers, cobblestone streets, majestic fountains, pastel colored houses, traditional festivals and a seemingly cozy atmosphere. Magical creatures, sometimes benign and sometimes malevolent, that roam among humans more or less unaware. A determined, sarcastic and chatty water nymph, once a young girl drowned in the river, eager to return to the world of the living and the family she left behind. A kiss, willingly given by a mortal, as a means to achieve her goal. A grumpy, brooding and distrustful exorcist, who wishes to rid the world of unworthy creatures and has problems with his magic. An exorcism gone awry. An unexpected agreement between the two, with the water nymph promising the exorcist silence about his status with other spirits in exchange for his help in getting a kiss. A young man, tremendously handsome, as the target. A friendship that blossoms unexpectedly and deeply between the three. A bond destined to intensify, putting the plan at risk. A captivating, evocative and enchanting prose. A fast, brisk pace accompanied by short chapters. A tale deeply immersed in Slavic folklore. A funny and light story,, able to deal with important themes such as the death of young girls or the confrontation of different beliefs. Three protagonists, with their respective povs in the third person, portrayed beautifully. An incredible polyamorous romance with fantastic interactions, between hilarious squabbles, sad moments and very sweet scenes. Interesting and convincing secondary characters. An excellent LGBTQ+ representation.

These are just a few of the elements that make up “This Fatal Kiss,” a novel that captivated me from the moment it was announced, thanks to its intriguing premise and stunning cover. A book towards which I had very high expectations and which in the end, to my delight, completely won me over!

I loved the quaint setting, the strong presence of Slavic folklore, the sometimes cozy atmosphere of the small town mixed with a more sinister and ominous undertone. But my heart goes entirely to the characters! Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey are three wonderful protagonists with interactions that made me laugh, smile, move, and swoon repeatedly.

I haven't figured out whether or not there will be a sequel, but I definitely hope so, because I need to know and have more about these characters and this world!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had to quit this one at about a quarter in. I couldn't do it anymore. For a relatively short book, 26% felt like a slog.

This is touted as a Slavic folktale fantasy romance, and it's set in a non-specified, non-modern time yet characters say things like "meet-cute" and "sky daddy" (Yes, sky daddy.). The story and characters are shallow and bland. It feels like a bad anime committed to paper or some bizarre fanfiction where they put modern characters into an old Polish village.

I was worried before I started this that it would be too similar to Where the Dark Stands Still, which is also YA and also based on Polish folklore. How wrong I was! There is a world of difference between these two books.

I was intrigued by the premise, but this is not for me.

It has been a very interesting read, exploring the magical forest with the protagonist. Also the discussions between Kazim and Gisela! Aaaah! I loved it.
Additionally, I love that the book comes with a guide on how you pronounce words and names. It makes reading this book much easier!

I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure about reading a book with a polyamorous relationship at its center, but it felt very organic and characters spent time questioning and contemplating their feelings in a way that made sense and felt realistic for folks discovering truths about themselves that go against the grain. I also really loved all of the Eastern European folklore and creatures - they brought humor and atmospheric dread depending on the scene. Their presence coupled with ambiguous time period of the setting brought whimsey to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed each of our main characters and the backstory they brought with them. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for reviewing it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for giving me an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review!

I love, love, LOVED this book— the characters, the world-building, the story, all of it. My only complaint was that I couldn’t find any news of a forthcoming sequel and, well, it can’t just end like *THAT*! I need more of these characters and their story— I have to know how it ends for them. I want to be clear though, this ending, while it left me wanting more, was not frustrating. I’m not angry that it ended how it did, I simply want the story to continue. I think there’s a difference between a satisfying yet inconclusive ending, and a frustrating and unsatisfying ending. This novel was the former.

I loved these characters, I just want everything to work out for them. I want to spend more time with them in their world, and there’s still so many questions that have been left unanswered. Please, Alicia, we have to know!!

This was a very enjoyable YA book! The characters weren’t dull and the plot was good. There is representation in this book which is also nice to read when it doesn’t feel forced.

Thank to to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I'd round this up to 3.5 - I think someone a bit more into Young Adult would enjoy this more than me. All that to say, it was a fun read. I loved the world building, the characters, and the romance. My main issue fell in the writing, I felt like the author over explained things a bit. It made me feel dumb, like I couldn't understand what she was saying the first time so it had to be repeated again and again. I'd just wish she'd give the reader a bit more credit in understanding plot and world building. This caused me to want to skim through over explanatory or repetitive passages. I thought it was a good read, it didn't blow me away but I definitely would recommend to YA lovers because I had a good time overall.

Thank you to Alicia Jasinska, Holiday House, Peachtree, Peachtree Teen, Pixel+Ink, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review-- all opinions are my own.

This Fatal Kiss is a fun, fast-paced, and exciting story set in an enchanting small town. The story has Slavic folklore weaved into it in a way that was done very nicely. A lot folklore names and terms were unfamiliar to me at first, but the author supplies a pronunciation and term information guide in the front of the book so that helped me while reading. I was able to turn back and recheck certain pronunciations. The main characters are incredibly likeable and hilarious. I found myself enjoying every single chapter, no matter the narrator, because everyone was so interesting. Gisela's narratives were so funny and heartfelt at times, I was rooting for her from the very beginning all the way until the very end. I also really enjoyed all of the other characters as well, the relationship between Gisela and the other spirits were one of my favorite things from this book. I really enjoyed the LGBTQIA+ representation in the story. The romance between the three main characters was written so well, it felt very natural and very enjoyable. The plot was so good, I couldn't put this book down after I really got into reading it. I'm not going to spoil anything, but the reveal had me so shocked. I need a sequel and this hasn't even released yet. Also, I'm a sucker for great descriptions of the scenery in a story, which helped draw me into this story. I really really enjoyed reading this and I think other readers who are a fan of Slavic Folklore, Fantasy, and just a really good story in general will also enjoy reading this. I hope I can get my hands on a physical copy soon!

I loved loved loved loved this so much. The poly relationship, the fantasy aspects, the characters, the world, all of it was so much fun to read. Jasinska has me hooked from the beginning and I wanted to jump right into this world. It was so much fun to read and I loved these characters and seeing their dynamics between one another. This was a great story and I can't wait to see more from Jasinka.