Review: The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for my copy. All thoughts are my own!
Last year, I read and enjoyed The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. It was a cute, easy Rom Com that reminded me a bit of a magical version of Gilmore Girls. I was excited for the next book in the series and it definitely set the tone for cozy Fall reads. It’s a little Hallmark After Dark, a little broody and swoony, and definitely sweet like Halloween candy.
Synopsis:
“Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.
When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.” —StoryGraph
What I Liked:
The Setting—Just like The Ex Hex, this book is adorably autumnal. It’s a small town full of magic, witches, and warlocks reminiscent of Stars Hollow and Halloweentown. It’s a fun, low stakes read.
The Charm—What got me to fall for The Ex Hex last year was the charm of the witchy town. That is once again a huge part of The Kiss Curse and left me feeling warm and satisfied. It’s a bit Hallmark After Dark.
What Didn’t Work:
A Little Surface Level—This is an easy, low stakes Romance. I wish there was a little bit more to anchor it in reality, but it’s a wtichy rom com perfect for Fall, so I can’t complain too much!
The Trope—I didn’t vibe with Wells and Gwyn as much as Rhys and Vivi, but that’s okay!
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Content Warnings:
Kidnapping, emotional abuse