i like the conceit here, about how even our bad experiences can help (in a positive way) to shape who were are or to lead to things that wouldn't happen otherwise. i enjoyed the characters and the message, even if the witchy stuff is still not my go-to. ( )

I’m glad I chose this for my November BOTM book. ( )

This is the second book I've read consecutively that deals with the altering of time so the main character can get a different view of their life. I think it's interesting that two similar storylines can come out on the same day from different publishers and wonder if it's a conscious decision due to trends in publishing or possibly just happenstance. I will say that the two stories are not so similar that I felt like it was a rinse and repeat situation.

Going through a breakup after four years together, Gemma Wilde looks to rid herself of her ex and what better way to do so than drink tequila and perform a spell - as one does.

Well, turns out Gemma wakes up in an alternate timeline where she never dated her boyfriend. To top it all off, looks like she's quit her corporate job and opened her own clean beauty shop - a distant dream in Gemma's previous time. Everything seems better. Then the other shoe drops and Gemma finds out that her best friend Dax doesn't know her in this timeline.

Doesn't matter how great things are, a world without Dax as her best friend is not one she wants to be in. She has a month until the moon aligns and she is able to perform the spell again to right time. But in order to do so, she must be friends with Dax as he helped perform the spell in her timeline. But as Gemma moves through her new life and learns things about herself that she barely dreamed of, she also starts to see Dax as something more than a friend. But what is she willing to sacrifice in order for things to be perfect?

I like the way that Kate Robb builds up the new timeline. At first seeming like the ideal life for Gemma to pick up on, to the point where she questions if staying would be such a bad thing. Looking closer, she sees all the ways that her changing even the smallest thing can have far reaching consequences.

I don't know that this story tells us anything new that we haven't read in countless other stories that force the main character to re-examine their lives. I wish that there had been more focus on Gemma's family. One thing that I absolutely loved is that Gemma was never alone in this new dimension. She still had her family and I loved seeing how she could confide in them and, whether or not they believed her story, they still accepted Gemma and supported her. I think there could have been a few more avenues to explore because, as we discover, the timeline didn't just mess with Gemma and Dax's relationship. Everyone around her is a slightly altered version of themselves.

Overall, though, it was a very thoughtfully crafted story about how sometimes we get so used to what is safe and secure that we forget how great it feels to take risks.

I'm certainly looking forward to what Kate Robb brings to us next! ( )

Who wouldn’t want a chance to relive their lives by making different choices? But as the old adage goes, be careful what you wish for.

This Spells Love by Kate Robb gives us much to love with this fun story. Drunk magic, quirky characters, a gorgeous guy whose friendship means everything. The chemistry between best friends Gemma and Dax is spot on in both realities.

Someone must have put a spell on me because I fell in love with this book. 4.5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Random House for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #ThisSpellsLove #NetGalley ( )

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.*

A steamy, fun romance that is pure entertainment, with a side serving of exploring what it means to find yourself and follow your dreams. I cannot wait for this to come out so I can swoon over the characters with other people. Full review to come! ( )