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chemistryreads's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is absolutely MAGIC! Cue stars in my eyes and dancing around to happy music, even as I read this book from 11:30-3:00AM! Clemmie is an amazing FMC and her story is told so well. I felt like I knew her and her sisters and I felt their close-knit bond. Their story as a family is so unique and creative but has genuine heart and real depth to it. Theo is a perfect addition to the story from the very first time the back of his neck is described. The tension and chemistry that builds between Theo and Clemmie throughout the entire story is just beyond words (in the best way possible). The supporting cast was so well done and the sister magic was so real. Even though there is a third act break (?), I loved this story and already want to read it again. Even as I finished it, I wanted more from this family and I could see this being such a perfect movie. I’ll be over here plotting the cast until I see a real one announced! 5⭐️, 1.75🌶
anapsc's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
anonymousreader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
stanfordstocker's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gammys_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
PERFECTION!!! Thank you NetGalley, Laura Wood and Atria Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
MAGICAL!!! What a beautifully written, deeply emotional, extremely hilarious and utterly heartwarming rom-com that kept me grinning, cackling, swooning and shedding a few tears along the way. Under Your Spell is a charming tale featuring the daughter of an aging rock star who lands a job working for the hottest musician on the planet. Despite her firm resolution to NEVER EVER date a celebrity, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him, and soon sparks begin to fly. Overflowing with banter, tension, humor, chemistry, it also adds a subtle fade to black scenes. This story is about so much more than a romantic love story! Its about family, career, sisterly love, friendships, forgiveness, hope, personal growth, self-discovery, and finding joy while living in the moment without having to have your life completely figured out. This is my first read by Laura Wood and I can safely say I am under her spell! I absolutely LOVED this book so much and is easily one of my favorite romance books for 2024!!💜💜💜💜💜
Tropes/Themes:
🎸Celebrity/Rockstar Romance
🎸Friends to Lovers
🎸Slow Burn Romance
🎸Forced Proximity
🎸He Falls First
🎸Cinnamon Roll MMC
🎸Sisterly Bond
🎸Romantic Gesture
🎸HEA
Synopsis:
Clementine "Clemmie" wants three things and Theo isn't one of them. After being dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and on the verge of losing everything, Clementine Monroe is not having a good day. When her sisters get her drunk and suggest reviving a childhood ritual called the Breakup Spell, she figures there's no harm in trying. But soon, Clemmie accidentally ruins a funeral, has her first one-night stand, and ends up with a job she defintely doesn't want-spending six weeks alone with the gorgeous and very off-limits rock star, Theo Eliott, the most famous man on the planet. Her life's a disaster. As their summer together turns into its own kind of magic, will Clemmie be cursed to repeat the mistakes of her past, or will her future see all her wishes come true?
Overall, it is a delightful rom-com with the perfect amount of emotional depth, humor, and romance. If you enjoy reading books by Emily Henry, Christina Lauren or Abby Jimenez then this is a book for you! I wholeheartedly recommend and it deserves all the stars!!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
MAGICAL!!! What a beautifully written, deeply emotional, extremely hilarious and utterly heartwarming rom-com that kept me grinning, cackling, swooning and shedding a few tears along the way. Under Your Spell is a charming tale featuring the daughter of an aging rock star who lands a job working for the hottest musician on the planet. Despite her firm resolution to NEVER EVER date a celebrity, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him, and soon sparks begin to fly. Overflowing with banter, tension, humor, chemistry, it also adds a subtle fade to black scenes. This story is about so much more than a romantic love story! Its about family, career, sisterly love, friendships, forgiveness, hope, personal growth, self-discovery, and finding joy while living in the moment without having to have your life completely figured out. This is my first read by Laura Wood and I can safely say I am under her spell! I absolutely LOVED this book so much and is easily one of my favorite romance books for 2024!!💜💜💜💜💜
Tropes/Themes:
🎸Celebrity/Rockstar Romance
🎸Friends to Lovers
🎸Slow Burn Romance
🎸Forced Proximity
🎸He Falls First
🎸Cinnamon Roll MMC
🎸Sisterly Bond
🎸Romantic Gesture
🎸HEA
Synopsis:
Clementine "Clemmie" wants three things and Theo isn't one of them. After being dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and on the verge of losing everything, Clementine Monroe is not having a good day. When her sisters get her drunk and suggest reviving a childhood ritual called the Breakup Spell, she figures there's no harm in trying. But soon, Clemmie accidentally ruins a funeral, has her first one-night stand, and ends up with a job she defintely doesn't want-spending six weeks alone with the gorgeous and very off-limits rock star, Theo Eliott, the most famous man on the planet. Her life's a disaster. As their summer together turns into its own kind of magic, will Clemmie be cursed to repeat the mistakes of her past, or will her future see all her wishes come true?
Overall, it is a delightful rom-com with the perfect amount of emotional depth, humor, and romance. If you enjoy reading books by Emily Henry, Christina Lauren or Abby Jimenez then this is a book for you! I wholeheartedly recommend and it deserves all the stars!!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
jehntooch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ONS
He fell first
Forced proximity
Mixed up identity
Famous father
Famous ex
Famous family
Single POV
Setting: London/Oxford/Northumberland, England
Laugh out loud romantic comedy. If you loved Crazy, Stupid, Love and the David Lindhagen backyard scene… immediately add to your TBR and get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love. This was such a quick read that had me hooked from the beginning.
Meet “The Weird Sisters” - all half sisters, born within a period of 4 months in 1990, tied together by a rockstar father and 3 different mothers.
FMC: Clemmie - professor of medieval history, who’s contract ran out at Oxford
Lil - indie singer
Serena - music producer
Of the 3, 2 go into the music industry while Clemmie avoids any connection to her father and music. But their sisterhood connection from birth to adulthood is tied to being raised by 3 strong women and Granny Mac who humored their belief in casting spells/manifesting what they want most out of life and love.
“At my last car inspection the mechanic told me that if it was a horse he’d have shot it[.]”
When the only actual father figure of theirs passes away, their moms play host to the funeral and wake. In the aftermath of her boyfriend of 4 years breaking up with her and confessing to cheating on her, finding out that her contract with Oxford isn’t being renewed, and is on the verge of losing her flat, Clemmie has no choice but to head home. With her sisters by her side, she thinks she can tolerate their “pick me” father and whatever show he puts on for all the attendees, but not running into the boy who broke her heart over a decade ago.
At the funeral, a pallbearer catches Clemmie’s eyes - despite embarrassing herself with her GPS (another laugh out loud moment). Unfortunately, she runs into Sam - who broke her 17 year old heart and left hear swearing off all musicians and anyone who would put her in the spotlight - and needing to escape the gathering of strangers in her house. Seeking comfort in her childhood room armed with a bottle of Serena’s tequila, she closes the door only to find a stranger in her bedroom. The most attractive, dark haired, tattooed stranger who isn’t exactly honest about his true identity, Clemmie decides to have her first and only one night stand with world famous musician, Theo.
A case of mistaken identity, a temporary job opportunity, and guaranteed housing puts Clemmie in a position where she can’t say no. While under one roof with Theo for 6 weeks, she is forced to reconsider her career, make peace with family guilt she’s carried for years, and hold herself accountable to being on her best behavior.
Random musings:
Clemmie the wise hitting readers with her biggest takeaway from her failed relationships: “Being in a relationship doesn’t mean losing a single piece of you. Not if it’s with the right partner.”
We love folks who prioritize therapy!!
The concept of making peanut butter sandwiches to give to the “mermaids” because you can’t grow peanuts under water is the most childlike thinking. And the afterthought of mermaids inventing sushi? I loved it.
Theo introducing her as Dr. Clementine at his sister’s wedding to the hotel manager, the way he goes out of his way to protect her from the media, and fighting his feelings for Clemmie had me melting into the couch.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria/Simon & Schuster for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️ .5
He fell first
Forced proximity
Mixed up identity
Famous father
Famous ex
Famous family
Single POV
Setting: London/Oxford/Northumberland, England
Laugh out loud romantic comedy. If you loved Crazy, Stupid, Love and the David Lindhagen backyard scene… immediately add to your TBR and get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love. This was such a quick read that had me hooked from the beginning.
Meet “The Weird Sisters” - all half sisters, born within a period of 4 months in 1990, tied together by a rockstar father and 3 different mothers.
FMC: Clemmie - professor of medieval history, who’s contract ran out at Oxford
Lil - indie singer
Serena - music producer
Of the 3, 2 go into the music industry while Clemmie avoids any connection to her father and music. But their sisterhood connection from birth to adulthood is tied to being raised by 3 strong women and Granny Mac who humored their belief in casting spells/manifesting what they want most out of life and love.
“At my last car inspection the mechanic told me that if it was a horse he’d have shot it[.]”
When the only actual father figure of theirs passes away, their moms play host to the funeral and wake. In the aftermath of her boyfriend of 4 years breaking up with her and confessing to cheating on her, finding out that her contract with Oxford isn’t being renewed, and is on the verge of losing her flat, Clemmie has no choice but to head home. With her sisters by her side, she thinks she can tolerate their “pick me” father and whatever show he puts on for all the attendees, but not running into the boy who broke her heart over a decade ago.
At the funeral, a pallbearer catches Clemmie’s eyes - despite embarrassing herself with her GPS (another laugh out loud moment). Unfortunately, she runs into Sam - who broke her 17 year old heart and left hear swearing off all musicians and anyone who would put her in the spotlight - and needing to escape the gathering of strangers in her house. Seeking comfort in her childhood room armed with a bottle of Serena’s tequila, she closes the door only to find a stranger in her bedroom. The most attractive, dark haired, tattooed stranger who isn’t exactly honest about his true identity, Clemmie decides to have her first and only one night stand with world famous musician, Theo.
A case of mistaken identity, a temporary job opportunity, and guaranteed housing puts Clemmie in a position where she can’t say no. While under one roof with Theo for 6 weeks, she is forced to reconsider her career, make peace with family guilt she’s carried for years, and hold herself accountable to being on her best behavior.
Random musings:
Clemmie the wise hitting readers with her biggest takeaway from her failed relationships: “Being in a relationship doesn’t mean losing a single piece of you. Not if it’s with the right partner.”
We love folks who prioritize therapy!!
The concept of making peanut butter sandwiches to give to the “mermaids” because you can’t grow peanuts under water is the most childlike thinking. And the afterthought of mermaids inventing sushi? I loved it.
Theo introducing her as Dr. Clementine at his sister’s wedding to the hotel manager, the way he goes out of his way to protect her from the media, and fighting his feelings for Clemmie had me melting into the couch.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria/Simon & Schuster for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️ .5
bribreez's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
*Thank you to Atria for sending me an ARC of this book, much appreciated! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.75⭐️/ 1🌶️
What’s a girl to do when her life has seemingly gone downhill? Well in Clementine’s case, she and her sisters decided to enact their old, “Breakup Spell”. This story followed, Clemmie as she navigated through the ups and downs of her life, but eventually found her way back and better. With three wishes for Clemmie to have a better life, each sister hoped something such as, a steamy under the sheets session, a soulmate level of love, and a job Clemmie loved. This story was sweet, endearing, and featured the themes of family, sisterhood, and the multitude of things adults still face when trying to get their life together.
When I read that this story featured something along the lines of a, “rockstar” dad, I imagined this story very differently. I imagined that maybe Clemmie also went into the music business like her famous rockstar Dad, but that was the furthest thing Clemmie wanted. In terms of Clemmie’s career, she went the academic route of becoming a professor of sorts, and lived a fairly normal life compared to her Dad and sisters. Clemmie at the start of the story was going through it, and honestly I don’t blame her. First impression, Clemmie was a bit of an introvert, and stayed within the confines of her comfort zone.
Clemmie’s life started to seem moving forward especially when she met an incredibly handsome man and had her first one night stand. A memorable passionate night that honestly Clemmie can’t stop thinking about, but alas she had bigger things to worry about such as, finding a new job and a new place to live. When Clemmie found herself face to face with the man she had an incredible night with I thought, “omg! Clemmie was met to be reunited with that guy!”, although when Clemmie found out who he was, it was LITERALLY the last thing or type of guy she saw herself with. I thought the way Clemmie and Theo seemingly found themselves having to be around each other was ironic considering they had a one night stand, but also the fact that Theo was a big time rockstar made Clemmie conflicted with her feelings towards him. So far just from the beginning there was, rockstar romance, one night stand, forced proximity, and a bit of boss/ employee dynamics since Clemmie was essentially working as Theo’s assistant.
Clemmie and Theo (the man Clemmie had a one night stand with) were literally living together while Theo had to finish his album for his label, and with all that time together, it only heightened the feelings that were already there. I think the way Clemmie and Theo were together was sweet and equally funny how they just got along, but also couldn’t forget about how they felt about each other. I also really loved the part when Theo took care of Clemmie when she got sick, and then subsequently Theo got sick which in turn Clemmie cared for him. If you love the “taking care of you when you’re sick” trope, then you’ll love it.
In terms of romance, it was a lot of Clemmie trying to overcome her fears and Theo trying to show Clemmie that he genuinely cared for her. Don’t get me wrong, there was some sweet moments between Clemmie and Theo, but at the root of things, Clemmie was also dealing with the fear that Theo was like other rockstars such as, her father and ex boyfriend. I liked seeing how Theo always put Clemmie’s needs first, and reassured he whenever she felt doubtful. Theo was a kind man, and despite his rockstar fame, he was a pretty laidback man. Plus, later once the romance picked up between Clemmie and Theo, there was some great moments in which Theo organized a sweet birthday surprise, and the occasional attempt of Theo cooking for Clemmie, but bless that beautiful man, he wasn’t the best at cooking.
Overall, this was a sweet romance. I liked Clemmie, her sisters, and Theo. The rockstar trope in this book was good, I got to see a little bit of how Clemmie dealt with having a famous Dad as well as how she handled things when it came to Theo’s fame. The sense of sisterhood in this book was really endearing, and you could tell that no matter what, Clemmie and her sisters were always there for one another. Looking back at the book, I liked certain aspects of it, but I wasn’t completely obsessed with it. I do think the story had an interesting plot line, likable characters, and I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a story with a rockstar storyline, with a fairly low spice level, endearing, unique characters, and some sweet romantic moments.
nogenderonlyfroggy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookaddictjax's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kbrauhn's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0