Laura Wood’s Under Your Spell marks a brilliant transition from her acclaimed young adult novels to the adult romance genre, delivering a story that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. This first installment in the Theo & Cynthie series demonstrates Wood’s remarkable ability to craft characters that breathe with authenticity while weaving together themes of self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of love.
The novel follows Clementine Monroe, a struggling academic whose life implodes spectacularly when her boyfriend Leonard leaves her for his pregnant colleague, she loses her dream job, and faces eviction from her flat. After a drunken evening with her sisters results in casting a “breakup spell” inherited from their childhood, Clemmie finds herself reluctantly accepting a babysitting job for rock star Theo Eliott, spending six weeks in an isolated Northumberland house where she’s meant to keep him focused on writing his new album.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Clementine Monroe: The Reluctant Heroine
Clemmie emerges as one of the most relatable protagonists in contemporary romance. Wood skillfully avoids the typical “bumbling mess” trope, instead creating a character whose struggles feel genuinely rooted in trauma and insecurity. As the daughter of aging rock star Ripp Harris, Clemmie carries deep-seated trust issues stemming from her father’s abandonment and her traumatic relationship with drummer Sam Turner, who left her for her father’s spotlight.
Wood’s portrayal of Clemmie’s people-pleasing tendencies and her protective shell feels authentic rather than manufactured. Her relationship with academia serves as both armor and prison – a way to prove her worth while hiding from the messy vulnerability of real connection. The character’s growth throughout the novel is measured and believable, particularly her journey toward creative fulfillment as she abandons her stalled research to write a whimsical story about three magical sisters.
Theo Eliott: Beyond the Rock Star Stereotype
Theo defies expectations from the moment he appears on the page. Rather than the typical arrogant, brooding musician, Wood presents us with someone who is undeniably charming yet genuinely kind. His initial disappointment at learning Clemmie doesn’t know who he is speaks to a loneliness that money and fame can’t cure – the desire to be seen as simply himself rather than “Theo Eliott, rock star.”
The author handles Theo’s celebrity status with nuance, showing both the isolation it creates and the genuine pressure he faces. His creative block isn’t just a plot device but reflects deeper questions about authenticity and artistic integrity. Wood particularly excels in showing how Theo’s natural charisma isn’t manipulation but simply part of who he is, while still allowing him moments of genuine vulnerability.
The Magic of Setting and Atmosphere
Northumberland as Character
The isolated house in Northumberland functions almost as a third character in the novel. Wood’s descriptions of the coastal landscape create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and slightly otherworldly, perfectly suited to the “spell” conceit that frames the story. The setting allows both characters to shed their usual personas – Clemmie steps away from her academic pressure cooker, while Theo escapes the constant scrutiny of fame.
The house itself, with its childhood memories and creative energy, becomes a place of transformation. Wood uses the physical space cleverly, from the music room where Theo writes to the kitchen where they share increasingly intimate conversations, each location marking different stages in their emotional journey.
Sister Bond That Anchors the Story
The Weird Sisters Dynamic
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in the relationship between Clemmie, Serena, and Lil. Wood has created a sister dynamic that feels lived-in and authentic, complete with inside jokes, protective instincts, and the kind of deep understanding that comes from shared trauma. The “Weird Sisters” aren’t just supporting characters – they’re integral to Clemmie’s identity and growth.
The sisters’ different approaches to life create natural tension and balance. Serena’s fierce protectiveness, Lil’s optimistic romanticism, and Clemmie’s cautious pragmatism feel like genuine personality differences rather than convenient plot devices. Their shared history as children of rock star chaos provides both comedy and genuine emotional weight.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
Healing and Creative Expression
Wood explores how creativity can be both escape and healing. Clemmie’s unexpected shift from academic writing to fiction mirrors her emotional journey – moving from trying to prove her worth through rigid scholarship to embracing joy and playfulness. Similarly, Theo’s album becomes a musical love letter, showing how genuine emotion can break through creative barriers.
The novel treats mental health with sensitivity, particularly through Clemmie’s therapy sessions with Ingrid. Rather than treating therapy as a plot point, Wood integrates it naturally into Clemmie’s growth arc, showing how healing is an ongoing process rather than a destination.
The Weight of Legacy
Both main characters struggle with inherited expectations – Clemmie fleeing from her father’s rock star legacy while Theo grapples with living up to his own fame. Wood explores how family dysfunction can shape our relationship choices without making excuses for bad behavior. The contrast between Ripp’s abandonment and the sisters’ fierce loyalty highlights how chosen family can heal wounds left by blood relatives.
Romance That Builds Like a Perfect Song
Slow Burn with Genuine Heat
The romantic development between Clemmie and Theo unfolds with the patience of a perfectly composed ballad. Wood doesn’t rush their connection, instead building tension through small moments – shared meals, casual touches, and increasingly vulnerable conversations. The sexual tension crackles without overwhelming the emotional development.
Their first kiss, born from Clemmie’s desire to experience “hot sex” as part of her sisters’ wishes, evolves into something deeper without losing its passionate edge. Wood handles the physical relationship with both heat and tenderness, showing how great sex can be both escape and connection.
Conflict That Makes Sense
The obstacles keeping Clemmie and Theo apart feel organic rather than contrived. Her fear of repeating past mistakes with rock stars creates genuine internal conflict, while the practical realities of their different worlds provide external pressure. When misunderstandings arise, they stem from character flaws and past trauma rather than simple miscommunication.
Areas Where the Magic Wavers
Pacing in the Middle Act
While the novel’s opening and climax are exceptionally strong, the middle section occasionally loses momentum. Some of the domestic scenes in Northumberland, while charming, slow the narrative drive. Wood sometimes lingers too long on cozy moments at the expense of plot progression, though these scenes do excellent character work.
Supporting Character Development
While Serena and Lil are wonderfully realized, some supporting characters feel less fully developed. David, Theo’s assistant, exists primarily for comic relief, and certain industry figures serve mainly as plot functions rather than complete people. The novel would benefit from slightly deeper supporting cast development.
The “Spell” Conceit
The magical realism element of the breakup spell occasionally feels underutilized. While it provides a charming framework and connects to the novel’s themes of transformation, Wood doesn’t fully explore its implications. The spell sometimes feels more like marketing hook than integral story element.
Writing Style That Sings
Voice and Tone
Wood’s writing voice perfectly captures the contemporary romance tone – warm, funny, and emotionally intelligent. Her dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, particularly in the banter between Clemmie and Theo. The first-person narration allows readers deep access to Clemmie’s anxieties and growth without becoming tedious.
The author shows particular skill in balancing humor with emotional depth. Comic moments arise naturally from character interactions rather than forced situations, while serious themes are handled with appropriate gravity.
Cultural References and Authenticity
Wood demonstrates deep understanding of both academic and music industry cultures. Clemmie’s academic struggles feel authentic, from the precarious nature of university positions to the pressure of publishing. Similarly, the music industry elements ring true, avoiding both glamorization and cliché.
Looking Forward: The Series Potential
Setting Up “Let’s Make a Scene“
Under Your Spell functions excellently as a standalone novel while establishing foundation for the series. The introduction of Serena and Lil’s own romantic possibilities feels natural rather than forced, and the resolution of Clemmie and Theo’s story feels complete while leaving room for future adventures.
The sequel Let’s Make a Scene promises to explore Cynthie’s career as an actress, suggesting Wood plans to examine different aspects of entertainment industry life while maintaining the series’ focus on healing and authentic connection.
The Perfect Read For
Under Your Spell will particularly appeal to readers who enjoyed:
Similar Contemporary Romances
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – for its combination of writer protagonist and emotional healing
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – for its exploration of entertainment industry pressures
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – for its academic heroine and slow-burn romance
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – for its friendship dynamics and second chances
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry – for its smart, career-focused heroine
Readers Who Love
- Rock star romances with emotional depth rather than just steamy encounters
- Sister relationships that feel authentic and supportive
- Slow-burn romances that prioritize emotional connection
- Protagonists dealing with past trauma in realistic ways
- British settings and humor
- Stories about creative fulfillment and artistic expression
Final Verdict: A Romance That Rocks
Under Your Spell succeeds brilliantly as both a rock star romance and a story about healing from past trauma. Wood has created characters who feel like real people rather than romance archetypes, set against a backdrop that enhances rather than overwhelms their emotional journey.
While the novel occasionally slows in its middle act and could develop its supporting characters more fully, these are minor flaws in an otherwise exceptional romance. The genuine chemistry between Clemmie and Theo, the authentic sister relationships, and Wood’s skilled handling of serious themes elevate this above typical celebrity romance fare.
For readers seeking romance with both heart and heat, featuring characters who grow and change in believable ways, Under Your Spell casts exactly the right magic. It marks an impressive debut in adult romance for Laura Wood and promises great things for the Theo & Cynthie series.
Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or someone who typically avoids the genre, this novel offers enough depth, humor, and genuine emotion to win you over. Sometimes the best spells are the ones that sneak up on you quietly, and Under Your Spell weaves its magic with exactly that kind of subtle power.
