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:
- Gwyn and Wells’ growing attraction
- A mysterious new coven in town
- Gwyn’s unexplained loss of magical powers
- Wells grappling with family expectations
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:
- The initial “love spell” kiss that sets the plot in motion
- Gwyn and Wells’ late-night stargazing conversation
- The climactic magical showdown with unexpected consequences
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:
- Sir Purrcival, Gwyn’s scene-stealing talking cat
- The “Baby Witches,” Gwyn’s endearing mentees
- Rhys and Vivi, providing a glimpse of established relationship goals
- Morgan Howell, a complex antagonist with murky motivations
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:
- The sudden loss of her magical abilities
- Balancing tradition with innovation in her witchcraft
- Opening herself up to love after past heartbreaks
- Stepping into a leadership role within the magical community
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:
- Reconciling family duty with personal desires
- Learning to embrace the unexpected
- Challenging his preconceived notions about magic and tradition
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:
- The mystery surrounding the new coven sometimes feels underdeveloped, with their motivations remaining somewhat murky.
- Some readers may find the resolution to Gwyn’s magical troubles a bit too convenient, though it does tie into the overall themes of the book.
- A few secondary characters, particularly from the previous book, feel underutilized in this installment.
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…
If you enjoyed “The Kiss Curse,” you might also want to check out:
- “Payback’s a Witch” by Lana Harper – Another witchy romance with strong themes of homecoming and found family.
- “The Vine Witch” by Luanne G. Smith – For those who enjoy a more historical take on magical romance.
- “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness – If you’re looking for a deeper dive into magical lore and academia.
Magical Musings: Discussion Questions
- How does Gwyn’s approach to magic differ from Wells’? What do they learn from each other?
- Discuss the role of family legacy in the novel. How do Gwyn and Wells each grapple with their family histories?
- What do you think about the depiction of magic in Graves Glen? How does it compare to other fictional magical systems you’ve encountered?
- How does Sterling subvert or reinforce common romance tropes in “The Kiss Curse”?
- 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:
- Romance readers looking for a touch of magic
- Fans of small-town settings with quirky characters
- Those who enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers storyline
- Anyone in the mood for a cozy, autumnal read
- Readers who appreciate strong, competent heroines
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.
