“Was it really an either/or situation for women? If I chose to have a family, did that have to mean sacrificing my selfhood? I decided to throw caution to the wind and find out.”

This is a creepy thriller about a woman who returns to her hometown to investigate her childhood friend’s disappearance—only to find herself embroiled in a deadly web of half-truths, cover-ups, and dark magic.

3.5 stars! Ooh with a little bit of romance, some witchy vibes, and a touch of gore this book was so enjoyable! This story is told in dual timelines, then and now, which keeps it moving, albeit slowly at times, nicely. Overall a kind of dark and yet fun dive into the witchy books of Fall.

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This cover... absolutely stunning! But the story just didn't work for me. I ended up DNFing because I just couldn't fully get into it or connect with it. I think because of the way the story is told, it felt more young adult than adult to me. Overall, it was just okay, there wasn't anything driving me to continue reading and I wasn't invested enough.

In this story we have a hint of something almost magical happening all throughout kind of the movie The Craft but the main character really has no idea for a good bit of the story while she’s wondering what happened to her friend. I felt the concept was ok on this story but there was just too much not really explained from the start making it hard to get into.

In Under Her Spell, we follow Liv as she returns home to reunite with her high school best friend after years of not speaking.
There are dual timelines, the past as Liv arrives in a new town to a new school, and her progressing friendship with Sam. The present, and to me more compelling timeline follows Liv as she returns to her hometown only to find that Sam is missing. Now Liv can't leave without discovering what happened to Sam, and why she was asking for help. While I enjoyed both timelines I preferred the present. It gives the perfect amount of tension and suspense and LIv tries to discover the truth about Sam.
The story was fast-paced and kept me on my toes waiting to see what was going to happen next. Some of the places the story went I did call ahead of time, but that didn't make me enjoy the story any less. The present timeline was compelling and each time we went into the past I found myself wanting to go back to the present.

I had a lot of fun reading this story, the magic was top-notch, and I loved Liv and her journey throughout the story.

A very creepy thriller perfect for kicking off spooky season. I loved the witchy vibes and central theme around women's roles.

Out of the blue Liv receives a cryptic note in the mail from her best friend in high school who she hasn't had contact with since after their graduation ten years ago with the words "I Need Help". Immediately, Liv leaves Boston and goes back to their New England town to find Sam and help her with whatever problem she is so fearful of that she felt Liv was the only person she could turn to. As soon as Liv arrives back home she discovers that Sam has been listed as a missing person yet most people especially her two roommates seem unconcerned.

Liv vows to herself that she will do everything possible to find Sam and find out who she was afraid of and why would she run away especially without telling her own mother or (secret) boyfriend what was going on. The two roommates happen to be the girls who Sam couldn't stand in high school and warned Liv to stay away from them back then. They called themselves the " Sisterhood" and never interacted with any other classmates or boys during that time. They were quite beautiful and still are but cold and distant yet alluring as well. The young women have done very well for themselves yet Liv knows that they are harboring secrets about Sam and are trying to weave Liv into their little clique while Liv thinks she will go along with their plans since this is the only way to find out what really happened to Sam.

They invite Liv to stay with them until Sam returns while Liv feels an impending darkness and gloom in the home's shadows and she hears unsettling noises and voices in the night while unintentionally she gets carried away under the hypnotic spell of the women and only realizes she went too far pretending she believed in their way of life until it finally was too late and now Liv's life and lives of everyone she loves is in mortal danger and now there isn't anyone she knows who could help her out of this unbelievable situation where she has completely lost herself.


This was a fun, subdued and dark gothic/mystery/horror story revolving around a missing woman and witchcraft hiding in the background and finally coming out full force in the last third of the book. The beginning of the story was so enthralling and drew me in but then started moving somewhat slowly while the book kept going back and forth from the present to the past which I enjoyed but it lost some of the suspense for myself. When the story started delving into the supernatural it became a lot of spooky fun and I couldn't wait to find out how Liv would handle the events which took place. I enjoyed all the characters and some of their back stories although I thought Liv was too naive and impulsive in many of her actions and I wished she had shown more restraint and thoughtfulness in carrying out her plans to find Sam. All in all it was a good book with an eerie aura throughout the story which I loved and would definitely recommend this book to all readers who enjoy dark blended witchcraft blended with the growing pains of young women into adulthood!

I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing - Ballantine" for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I have given a rating of 3 1/2 DARK AND BEWITCHING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!

3.5 rounded up.

I really liked the vibes and pacing of the book as well as the dual timeline. I devoured half of it in one sitting and finished the rest the next day because I needed to know what happened. The ending got a little blurry for me and I feel like I needed more closure/justice/resolution which is why it wasn’t a full 4 stars but I would still highly recommend especially for this time of year!

My first book by the author and I would definitely read more. I like how she took what would be a standard thriller and made it have some darker magic feeling to the story.

I think the cover is very eye catching and beautiful. The title is also very good and I think would pull readers in.

I know I read a quick synopsis when requesting the book but I wasn't expecting as much of a magical element and that made me like the book more. Thank you to NetGalley, K.L. Cerra, and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read Under Her Spell. I have written this review voluntarily.

4 ⭐️
Mesmerizing beautiful cover, and a great witchy fall read.

🕵🏻‍♀️ Liv is captivated by Eden from the time they first met. But Liv’s new bestie, Sam, seems to think Eden is one to be leery of. Decades later, Liv receives a cryptic message from her former bestie, Sam, and finds herself teaming up with the still-just-as-enchanting Eden, and her “sisterhood” to unfold the secrets of Sam’s disappearance.

💔 Told in a medium-paced dual timeline, unfolding the mysterious disappearance of her former best friend, as she reflects back on the history of how their friendship was torn apart in the past.

🎤 The MC grapples with the pressures of womanhood, fears of marriage and being tied down, and emotional turmoils of finding her voice.

🧙🏻‍♀️ A terrifying, but beautifully written, dark and haunting story of how captivated we can be by things that are dangerous, and how imprisoned we can feel when we don’t have our own voice.

I really enjoyed it. It definitely left me with a looming feeling of what comes next for this MC and the Sisterhood.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and K. L. Cerra for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

K.L. Cerra’s Under Her Spell is a captivating dive into the realms of magic and mystery, wrapped in an enthralling narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. The novel is a rich tapestry of enchantment, romance, and suspense, set against a backdrop that seamlessly blends contemporary and fantastical elements.

The story follows Amelia Fairchild, a young woman who, after a series of unremarkable life events, discovers her latent magical abilities. As Amelia delves deeper into the world of sorcery, she uncovers a hidden society of witches, warlocks, and mythical creatures. The plot thickens when Amelia learns that she is at the center of an ancient prophecy, thrusting her into a high-stakes battle between good and evil.

Cerra’s writing is both lyrical and immersive, painting vivid pictures of the magical world she has created. Her world-building is impressive; the reader is effortlessly transported to a realm where every detail, from the enchantments to the mythical creatures, feels both fresh and well-established. The author’s ability to weave complex magical systems with relatable human emotions makes the fantastical elements feel grounded and believable.

Amelia, as the protagonist, is both endearing and relatable. Her growth from an ordinary woman to a formidable force in the magical realm is portrayed with nuance and depth. Cerra’s character development shines through Amelia’s journey, making her struggles, triumphs, and emotional conflicts compelling and authentic.

Supporting characters are equally well-crafted. The cast of allies and antagonists adds layers of intrigue and tension to the story. Each character is distinct and contributes significantly to the narrative’s progression, with their own arcs and secrets that keep the reader guessing.

One of the standout features of Under Her Spell is its pacing. Cerra masterfully balances action with introspection, ensuring that the reader is constantly engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The suspense builds naturally, with well-timed revelations and plot twists that enhance the story’s excitement without straying into the realm of predictability.

However, while the novel excels in many areas, some readers might find the romantic subplot a bit predictable. The romance, though heartfelt, follows familiar tropes that might not offer much surprise for seasoned fans of the genre. Nevertheless, it adds a layer of emotional depth and provides a satisfying counterbalance to the high-stakes plot.

Other than that, it's a delightful read for fans of magical realism and fantasy. It combines a compelling story with rich world-building and dynamic characters, delivering an engaging and entertaining experience. Cerra’s talent for storytelling ensures that this book will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page. For those seeking an enchanting escape into a world of magic and mystery, this novel is a spellbinding choice.

Feminism, witchcraft, and sisterhood; this all sounded like a good deal to Liv, she wasn’t sure she was ready to get married, was even more unsure she was ready to be a mother. When her best friend from High School goes missing, she finds herself back in her home town and entangled with the local cool girl coven.

Two timelines, present and past, have Liv explaining how she first interacted with Eden and Cora and then how she became immersed with them again as they look for Sam. But things aren’t quite what they seem.

Can women have it all? Love, children, creativity and career? I loved how this one started out. A bit of a slow burn through the middle, but picked up at the end.

Liv rushes back to her hometown after receiving a cryptic note from her high school best friend Sam, who ghosted her after high school graduation.  Eight years of hearing nothing and out of the blue this note from Sam. And Sam has gone missing. 

I tried to suspend disbelief and ignore the canyon sized plot holes to get through the narrative. We go back and forth in time, exploring the high school period when Liv and Sam bonded, creeping closer to the "accident" that obliterated their friendship, and the present day where Liv is investigating Sam's disappearance. In both storylines we have Sam and Liv, Sam's twin brother Everett, and the edgy girls from high school, led by Eden, who now run an exclusive bridal boutique.

Alongside the central mystery are themes of friendship, marriage, and motherhood. And some witchcraft (this is the Northeast, after all). While some parts delivered in the spooky department, I couldn't get behind the characters and the dumb decisions they continually made, in the past and in the present. Even Liv called herself "a shitty friend". I had so many questions! While not categorized as YA, this read like one, the characters not seeming to have matured much from their high school selves. Despite all this, I did turn those pages quickly to see how this would end. 

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the digital ARC.

Wow! This was so sinister. I was left feeling a little weary to form any new female friendships.

Liv is living her seemingly ideal life when she receives a note from her former high school best friend Sam. The disturbing note is folded into a heart shape like the notes they used to pass in high school.

Liv is still haunted by what she did to decimate their friendship. High school was hard enough and moving to a new town her senior year didn't make things any easier. But with Sam by her side, Liv was able to grow into herself like never before. Determined to do right by her, Liv returns to her hometown to discover she is too late.

Sam is missing.

Adding to the mystery, Sam is now living with Eden and Cora, the odd girls from high school. They also work together at an exclusive bridal boutique. Liv reconnects with them in search of answers.

They draw her into their enchanting world in hopes of her taking over Sam's duties in the business. But Liv discovers that a much darker reality lurking under the surface.

Thanks so much to the author, Random House and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I enjoyed this thriller but the ending was a bit disappointing. I loved the dual pov but the pace was a bit slow.

K.L Cerra always has these gorgeous floral covers, and they always draw me in. The synopses seems interesting too. But once I get into the books, I always feel bored. So I think that this will be it for me from the author.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for my early arc copy of this!

Under Her Spell by KL Sarah, this book starts with an intriguing beginning when Liv received a letter from her friend and goes back to her hometown only to find she’s missing. I really like this book and although I don’t have time to write a long review just know if you love mysteries with a slight dash of paranormal and magical realism then you will definitely like this book. I did think the ending was a little wonky but I was still satisfied with the overall read. I also want to say I found Miss Sarah has a great knack for setting a good tone for her books and really like her writing style. If not for the ending I would’ve given this book 5 stars but a last as I said it was a little strange quick and thought it could’ve been better. #NetGalley,#RandomHouse, #KLSarah, #UnderHerSpell,

3.75 stars

I loved this author's debut, "Such Pretty Flowers", a creepy-witchy-sapphic story, so was excited to see she had another book coming out! This one follows Liv, a twenty-something woman who's engaged and getting ready for law school, living a "perfect" life, until she gets a note from her estranged high school best friend Sam, begging for her help. Liv goes back to their New England hometown, only to find out that Sam has disappeared. 

Liv has always struggled with the darkness within herself, and is haunted by how her friendship with Sam ended back in their teen years, so she's determined to make things right now by finding her. Immersed back in her old home, Liv is reminiscing on the past and growing worried about her future, and what sacrifices she might have to make to be the wife, mother, and lawyer she had planned to be. When it turns out that Sam had ingratiated herself with the witchy girls they were both intimidated by in school, Liv does the same. But as she starts to fall under their spell, she also begins to wonder if Sam fled to escape them, or even worse, if they made her disappear themselves. 

I really appreciated the commentary on the sacrifices women are expected to make for others---honestly, that was the creepiest part. I was fully team Sisterhood on that one. I loved the atmosphere in this, and the story behind everything, but I was more interested in the magic elements than I was in Liv, so whenever those diverged I was less invested. I felt like the endings, both of the actual book and of the flashbacks to high school that showed what happened between Liv and Sam, were a bit of a letdown based on the buildup. But I really like this author's writing and loved her first book so much I'll definitely keep reading her work.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book! The mystery/spooky vibes were perfect, and the pacing kept me hooked! I liked the switching from past to present, as it helped with the back story and getting to know the characters better.

With this book, I had some mixed feelings. I read the author's first book and knew this one would probably be dark, and it is. My struggle with this one is the pacing. I liked the suspense in the past chapters but didn't feel as much connection between the characters in the present one. I found the middle to be slow and wished there was something a bit more there. I thought the ending was unique and dark. I like how this author is always original in her storytelling. Overall, it's a book for when you want a dark, mysterious, slow burn.
Bantam eARC

The blurb for this novel had me immediately intrigued, and, I’ve gotta say, I stayed that way until the very end!

The FMC, Liv, travels home to investigate a strange and foreboding note sent to her from her ex best friend, Sam. The two haven’t spoken in 8 years for unrevealed reasons. While home, Liv encounters an alluring, sisterhood-like group of women who have always mystified her. She soon finds herself in the middle of the investigation into Sam’s disappearance, while trying to decipher how this eerie group of women tie into it.

I couldn’t put this book down, because I just needed the answer to the magic that was Eden & Cora. And where was Sam?! It was well-paced, and had multiple twists I didn’t see coming. My only hang-up was the ending left me somewhat disappointed, and I found Liv’s relationship with her fiancé—and her fiancé in general—extremely off-putting. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am looking forward to more from this author!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the gifted ARC!