Under Your Spell

Starred review from April 29, 2024
YA author Wood (the Poppy Pim series) makes her adult debut with an irresistible rockstar romance. Though PhD candidate Clementine “Clemmie” Monroe remains close with her two half sisters, singer Lil and record producer Serena, she otherwise avoids all reminders of their famous rocker dad, even going so far as forbid herself from listening to any new music at all. After her teaching gig and her relationship both end abruptly, she turns to her sisters for support and lets them reenact the “breakup spell” they invented as teenagers. The women make three wishes for Clemmie: a one-night stand, a soul mate, and a job she loves. With no real expectation of wish fulfillment, Clemmie is impressed with herself when she does soon enjoy a one-night stand and happy enough when Serena finds her a temporary job “babysitting” a musician on a deadline. She’s less excited when she learns that her random hookup was actually with global superstar Theo Eliott—and he’s her new client. Shacked up in a rural beach house in Northumberland while Theo tries to finish his next album, sparks fly. Though Clemmie tries to keep things casual, Theo is determined to win her heart. He proves a swoonworthy hero, and it’s endearing to watch Clemmie slowly let down her guard. The chemistry is electric and the quirky side characters add to the fun. This is one to devour. Agent: Louise Lamont, LBA Books.

September 13, 2024

Things aren't going well for Clementine Monroe. She's been dumped by her ex, fired from her job, and could lose her apartment too. After her first one-night stand (at a funeral, no less), she and her two sisters tipsily decide to perform their childhood ritual, the Breakup Spell. Soon, Clemmie finds herself with a six-week paid gig as the assistant to the up-and-coming, gorgeous rockstar Theo Elliott. This is not what she'd been hoping for. Clemmie is the daughter of an aging rockstar known for his many romantic escapades, and she knows better than to fall in love with one. But the magical summer she and Theo spend together may change all that. YA author Wood's (The Agency for Scandal) adult debut is a fun and flirty summer romance. Ellie Heydon narrates the suspicious, heartbroken Clemmie with the proper amount of cynicism and, eventually, hope as she quickly falls head over heels with the last man she wants. Heydon also provides a thoughtful portrait of sultry Theo, proving that he is more than just a pretty face. VERDICT Wood's novel is the perfect summer romance, with the push and pull of will-they-won't-they and a sweetly satisfying ending.--Elyssa Everling

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