I was grateful when I got the email that I was given access to an ARC of this book. It sounded right up my alley being a queer timepiece, and I was not disappointed! This book delivered on everything it promised to and then some! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“Feeling brave doesn’t make you want to escape. Bravery makes you want to stay.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ There were definitely times where I disliked Joe's character immensely; but, in his favor, he was meant to make those mistakes and spout wrong judgement, in order for him to realize the errors of his way of thinking. And it showed. It showed in the way that the twenty-nine-year-old Joe Agabian that followed in his best friend's footsteps to Fire Island in 1989, in the hopes to get over a broken heart over the loss of a loved one was not the same Joe once the Disco Witches of Fire Island worked their magic on him. 🪩 And it does take a lot of magic, a lot of charm, a lot of disco fervor and the relentless freedom to be brave to be oneself to save him from the clutches of the Darkness that the coven of witches found enshrouded in him. A coven that was teetering on the brink of collapse and were keen to fortify their strength, despite how it hurt knowing that the only way to strengthen it was to lose the love of one that started it all.... 💌

“It makes absolute sense to be scared to love again. How can we even begin to love without the delusion of forever?”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Joe is the trifecta of a complicated, complex and conflicted character. He's harboring a secret, he's desperate to find love. 'Where do you put the love for someone who is no longer there?' He's easily swayed by his emotions, and he often appears too self-centered, if not too intent on protecting his own interests, not realizing that the one who is losing everything deserves it more. It is desperation to replace the heartbreak of his beloved with that of the mysterious bisexual webby ferryman, Fergal that leads him into a catastrophe of emotional discomfort, as well as the tug of a simmering pleasure that could prove disastrous. 😢 It is how he survives that pull - how he settles on an understanding of his own feelings that ties the story together. It is a journey of self-growth and self-acceptance, as well as self-awareness to achieve that Great Balance in life where magic proves that there can come a time when it is worth taking a risk for a second chance at love 'and a newfound outlook on life.'

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The AIDS pandemic - 'this disease was not gentle, nor straightforward, nor did it allow some handsome, noble death' - plays a heavy part in the story - one where our respective characters are grappling with the sense of losing a loved one, or even still carrying guilt and shame over the death of a loved one. 'It was out there, aiming for you and all those you would or could love.' 💔💔 It is hard not to feel so much sadness for it; a lifetime of regret over the loss of innocent lives and one where even the spark of magic cannot save, but at least they can save their spirit - metaphorically, of course. And it is in honoring their memory, cherishing the moments shared, treasuring a lifetime lived of 'beautiful lost souls with such promise' that should be remembered and not forgotten or even closed off from. In their own way, Joe and Howie were not able to entirely let go of a love that has meant so much; the courage to let go is the resolve that convinces us to trust in life again. 🥺

“But I do believe the universe puts us where we’re most needed. Sometimes it ends up being wonderful—and other times we must patiently wait for the ‘wonderful’ to arrive.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The writing was imaginative and fresh to some extent. I liked the lure and the lore of the witches; how their powers came to be, how they carried their duties with conviction and pride - so very eager to protect as many wandering souls as possible. I was a bit hesitant about certain parts - like it felt a bit too much at times certain jabs - but, if you take in the spirit of the times, maybe it does get by. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I felt a bit squeamish about some of the comments passed at the bar, but maybe it is positive and honest queer representation, so I really have no say in taking it offensively. For there was a joy to simply being themselves, which radiated at the club and on the dance floor. Each character was unique and interesting - good or bad - a varied sort that brought their own to the scene. 🕺🏼 A celebration of identity and hope that no matter how much darkness clings to our souls - 'the ability to feel peace, joy, and bravery' - and that nothing can crush their spirits or take away their hearts, for there are those who will do anything to protect it. Be it a mentor or a friend, no one should be lost forever, nor should one lose themselves to their memory again. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I do have to credit the dynamic of Robbie and Joe - two best friends who met in New York, arrived on Fire Island with their own intentions, forged their respective paths of desires, and walked a journey neither of them expected - 'we fail, we forgive. There is no real friendship without failure.' 😥 It was cathartic and it was heartfelt. Robbie was a dislikable character at times; but he was honest, despite his rather negative views on life. But, how the author wrote his part so convincingly and brought it full closure was what I do commend, as well as their friendship that tested heated waters, but still survived. You could feel the thrum of energy, which I like; where the climax culminates to such a heightened sense that its impact hits you, too. 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I still will say it was a powerfully gripping read - aside from a few instances where my personal tweaks affected my views of the writing and personalities marred the enjoyment. It was enchanting, and the sense of resilience within a close-knit community is prevalent. 🫂 Fire Island itself was brimming with a life of its own - a raw sense of magic waiting to happen. Joe's emotions were portrayed in a raw and aching manner, that made his love story all that more tender, yet brutal. I was charmed at how it developed, and I even smiled a few times at the sweetness of their relationship. It is a magical story and I do applaud the creativity at capturing the triumphant way in which grief and loneliness is overcome with the hope that love is not lost to us forever. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

This book is an absolute gem that swept me off my feet! The way it captures the essence of queer love amid the backdrop of the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Joe’s emotional journey is so raw, and the blend of humor and magic had me enchanted from the first page. The quirky dynamic between the disco witches and Joe is a masterclass in community and resilience, and I found myself laughing out loud one moment and wiping away tears the next. The romance is swoon-worthy and effortlessly tender, making my heart race with every page turn. The author’s ability to weave together themes of love, loss, and hope is nothing short of magical. I loved reading it.

beautifully, transcendentally queer. every page of this book is gay, and i say that as a huge compliment. from its tumultuous setting to the disco witches, this boom triumphs queer joy, queer grief, queer life.

Beautiful and so much fun. Somehow this book deals with heavy issues like death, loss, addiction, and the AIDS crisis while also being humorous, sweet, and unabashedly hopeful.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

WOW!!! What a great book!! This one had me hooked from page 1! This was a first for me from this author and I will not be my last! This one was a win for me!