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REVIEW: The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling


Genre: Fantasy | Romance | New Adult Fiction

Released: 20th September 2022

Publisher: Headline Eternal


Always Practice Safe Hex! 

Welcome back to Graves Glen, where Gwyn Jones is living her best life. Her family have formed a powerful coven, protecting the town and keeping it alive, she's a well respected witch and her shop something wicked is an undisputed success. There's only one problem - Llewellyn 'wells' Penhallow. 

Wells returned to Graves Glen searching for the roots his family had in the town before they were torn from the ground, and maybe find his own life out of the shadow of his bitter father. He didn't expect to arrive home to find Gwyn and a hen party in his living room.

And as the dates on the calendar draw closer to Halloween, Gwyn finds herself unable to enjoy her favourite time of the year and instead stuck in a fierce rivalry with Wells and the shop he opened right across from hers. But while they're focused on their petty arguments, trouble is brewing. 

Between unexplained occurrences, strange new witches appearing in town, a bit of magical impotence and one spellbinding kiss, Gwyn and Wells find themselves closer than they'd ever wanted to be, and they'll have to stick together if they want to find out what is happening to their home, and to them.

"Look, we've already dealt with an entire cursed town, a talking cat, and now an exploding ghost, and we've handled all of it. What could possibly happen that would be worse than any of that?"

Sterling, the author of the bewitchingly fabulous The Ex Hex, has managed to wave her magic wand again to create another spellbinding story. Taking us back to the familiar streets and residents of Graves Glen, but with an entirely new set of chaotic occurrences. Getting to see Vivi and the cast of TEX again was like getting to hear from old friends and it was beautifully done. This book is set after The Ex Hex, but you can definitely read it as a standalone as it's based on a different person in Sterlings universe, but I would definitely recommend checking it out anyway! 

Gwyn was, in the best way, the very definition of a hot mess and I adored her from the moment we met, seeing her as a teenager attending the Penhallow magic academy and causing total mayhem. 

Now, if you follow my reviews you'll know I adore an enemies-to-lovers story, especially with the classic misunderstood bad boy - and when they're as charming and bewitching as Wells it is safe to say I was swooning. When we meet him, he's just an entitled brat born into status, but there's something under the bravado and bluster and I feel like we get to find out about it at the same time he does, as he explores who he really is when he looks inwards. His personality, and his relationships with those around him all progress in such a natural way throughout that I felt connected through every single page. 

I loved the playful sweetness and affection that grows between our dynamic main duo - but let's just say when they turn up the heat, it is hotter than hell. 

And of course, while all this flirting and self-reflection is happening - around them unknown threats are closing in, and Sterling masterfully creates an air of otherworld tension that slowly creeps in and makes you consider leaving the big light on for the night.

Sterling gives us a story with fierce, bold and empowered women all while letting us indulge in some sickly sweet romance at the same time - it's a win-win. Spooky, steamy and spellbinding  -Sterling is definitely a must-read of this Halloween! 


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review. 


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