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.