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.

Starred review from May 1, 2024

Clementine "Clemmie" Monroe is the daughter of one rock star and the ex-girlfriend of another, and being in the public eye (and stalked by paparazzi) has scarred her deeply. She now avoids musicians and the spotlight as much as possible. When she loses her job, her boyfriend, and her apartment all in one week, she and her sisters drunkenly perform a spell designed to curse her ex as well as bring Clemmie her soulmate, a job, and a place to live. Soon after, she's offered a paid position to live with and keep tabs on famous musician Theo Elliott while he writes songs for his long-overdue album. She reluctantly accepts, not realizing that Theo was her recent one-night stand. Living in an isolated house together is going to be difficult, and not giving in to their desire might be impossible. Clemmie and Theo are well-developed characters who communicate as much with their actions as they do with their well-crafted dialogue. Their chemistry is palpable and electrifying, and the tension is drawn out beautifully. VERDICT This excellent, unputdownable adult debut from YA author Wood (Agency for Scandal) is a must-purchase title.--Heather Miller Cover

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