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The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

A Bewitching Return to Graves Glen

As autumn leaves begin to fall and a chill creeps into the air, there’s no better time to curl up with a magical romance that captures the essence of the spooky season. Erin Sterling’s “The Kiss Curse,” the highly anticipated follow-up to her New York Times bestseller “The Ex Hex,” delivers just that – a enchanting blend of witchcraft, romance, and small-town charm that will leave readers spellbound.

Set in the quaint town of Graves Glen, Georgia, “The Kiss Curse” reunites us with fan-favorite Gwyn Jones and introduces the delightfully complex Wells Penhallow. Sterling weaves a tale of professional rivalry, magical mystery, and undeniable attraction that proves lightning can indeed strike twice in this bewitching series.

Brewing Up a Storm: Plot and Pacing

Sterling wastes no time throwing readers back into the magical mayhem of Graves Glen. Gwyn Jones, now a successful witch and shopkeeper, finds her comfortable life upended by the arrival of Wells Penhallow, scion of the town’s founding family. Their immediate clash of wills and competing businesses sets the stage for a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance.

The author expertly balances multiple plot threads:

These elements intertwine seamlessly, creating a page-turning narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Sterling’s pacing is spot-on, alternating between moments of tension, humor, and swoon-worthy romance.

Magic in the Details: World-Building and Atmosphere

One of the greatest strengths of “The Kiss Curse” is Sterling’s ability to bring Graves Glen to life. The town feels like a character in its own right, with its quirky residents, magical shops, and seasonal festivities. Readers will find themselves longing to stroll down Main Street, browse the shelves of Something Wicked, or attend the Graves Glen Gathering.

Sterling’s depiction of magic is both whimsical and grounded, striking a perfect balance between the fantastical and the believable. From enchanted tarot cards to talking cats, the magical elements are seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life in Graves Glen.

Sparks Fly: Romance and Chemistry

At its heart, “The Kiss Curse” is a romance, and Sterling doesn’t disappoint. Gwyn and Wells’ relationship evolves naturally from initial antagonism to reluctant attraction to genuine connection. Their banter crackles with wit and sexual tension, making every interaction a delight to read.

What sets this romance apart is the equal footing of the main characters. Both Gwyn and Wells are competent, complex individuals with their own strengths and flaws. Their journey towards each other is one of mutual growth and understanding, rather than one character “fixing” the other.

Standout Moments:

A Diverse Magical Community: Character Development

Sterling populates Graves Glen with a cast of memorable characters that bring depth and humor to the story. Standouts include:

Each character feels fully realized, with their own quirks, desires, and backstories. Sterling deftly avoids clichés, giving even minor characters moments to shine and surprise the reader.

Gwyn Jones: A Heroine to Root For

Gwyn’s journey in “The Kiss Curse” is particularly compelling. We see her grapple with:

Her growth throughout the novel feels earned and authentic, making her an easy heroine to champion.

Wells Penhallow: More Than Meets the Eye

Wells initially appears as the stereotypical stuffy Brit, but Sterling quickly subverts expectations. His character arc involves:

Wells’ transformation from uptight outsider to integral part of the Graves Glen community is both believable and satisfying.

Stirring the Cauldron: Themes and Subtext

While “The Kiss Curse” is undoubtedly a fun, romantic romp, Sterling weaves in deeper themes that add richness to the story:

Tradition vs. Innovation

The conflict between old and new magic mirrors real-world tensions between tradition and progress. Sterling explores how honoring the past doesn’t mean being bound by it.

Found Family

Both Gwyn and Wells find strength in the families they choose, rather than those they’re born into. The power of community is a recurring motif throughout the novel.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Many characters in “The Kiss Curse” are on journeys of self-discovery, learning to embrace their true selves rather than conforming to others’ expectations.

Power and Responsibility

The use and potential misuse of magic raises questions about the ethical implications of power, both supernatural and mundane.

A Sprinkle of Criticism: Room for Improvement

While “The Kiss Curse” is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there are a few areas where it could have been strengthened:

These minor quibbles, however, do little to detract from the overall charm and entertainment value of the novel.

The Final Spell: Conclusion

“The Kiss Curse” is a worthy successor to “The Ex Hex,” expanding the world of Graves Glen while delivering a satisfying standalone romance. Sterling’s writing is crisp, humorous, and infused with just the right amount of autumnal atmosphere to make this the perfect October read.

Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, magical realism, and small-town romances will find plenty to love in this bewitching novel. Sterling has clearly hit her stride with this series, blending the familiar comforts of the romance genre with fresh, magical twists.

As the final page turns, readers will likely find themselves eagerly anticipating future visits to Graves Glen, hoping to be enchanted by Sterling’s magic once again. Eagerly waiting for The Wedding Witch.

Spellbinding Comparisons: For Fans Of…

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Magical Musings: Discussion Questions

  1. How does Gwyn’s approach to magic differ from Wells’? What do they learn from each other?
  2. Discuss the role of family legacy in the novel. How do Gwyn and Wells each grapple with their family histories?
  3. What do you think about the depiction of magic in Graves Glen? How does it compare to other fictional magical systems you’ve encountered?
  4. How does Sterling subvert or reinforce common romance tropes in “The Kiss Curse”?
  5. Explore the theme of power—both magical and personal—throughout the novel. How do different characters approach the use of power?

Casting a Wide Net: Who Should Read “The Kiss Curse”?

This novel is perfect for:

Whether you’re a longtime fan of paranormal romance or simply looking for a charming, seasonal read, “The Kiss Curse” offers a bewitching escape into a world where love and magic intertwine. Sterling has crafted a novel that’s sure to cast a spell on readers, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enchanting series.

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