Hello, lovelies!
If you've been around a while, you may have seen my book review for The Ex Hex last year. I also may have mentioned it multiple times throughout different blog posts, as it was my favourite read of 2022.
I was visiting Waterstones with my dear friend Meg in March, and what did I find? The Kiss Curse by the same author as The Ex Hex- Erin Sterling. I jumped instantly to buy this book. I liked her writing and have been eager to read more of her work. I was even more thrilled to find out this book is set in the same world as The Ex Hex- number two of the book!!
I devoured this book! It was steamy, had a rival to lovers kinda plot and witchy adventures. It was a delicious read.
In The Kiss Curse, we follow the story of Gwyn Jones, the owner of a tourist witchy shop, Something Wicked. She's part of a powerful coven whose power runs through their town of Graves Glen. The town used to be powered by the Penhallow family. We witnessed the switchover in the first book, and this book is set a year later. A Penhallow son comes back to town from a quaint town in Wales and rocks Gwyn's world.
The book is filled with baby witches (teens who Gwyn takes under her wing), magic in the blink, and a hot romance between Gwyn and rival Llewellyn Penhallow.
Gwyn is a magical force to be reckoned with. I loved her in the first book and even more in the second. I like how this second book was about her, I was eager for more of her character in the first book, and this one delivered perfectly.
The book feels like a slow-burn romance, and that takes over the majority of the book. The action doesn't really begin until the last couple of chapters. I didn't mind, though, as I was enchanted by the chemistry between the characters. I do think more could have happened sooner. I didn't find the action all that exciting and felt the focus was majorly on the character's relationship rather than saving the town- the plot didn't feel urgent.
It was a cosy read, something lighthearted and witchy. There is talk of a third book, but I'm unsure what it could be about. I am excited nonetheless. I guess the Penhallow father will be the focus of the next book as he tries to sabotage the Joneses in The Kiss Curse. Whatever is ahead, all I know is that I'll be buying that book ASAP!
Erin Sterling: you have me enchanted with these books.
