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Overview
The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling, published in 2022, is a charming, magical, and enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance that blends small-town coziness with witchy chaos. A follow-up to The Ex Hex, this standalone sequel follows Gwyn Jones, a confident witch running a successful magic shop in the quirky town of Graves Glen, and Wells Penhallow, the serious, rule-following brother of her former rival. When Wells returns to town to establish his own magic shop, sparks—and spells—start flying. What begins as a rivalry filled with snark and sabotage turns into a bewitching romance charged with tension, humor, and heartfelt connection.
📖 Book Structure and Narrative Style
Told in alternating third-person perspectives of Gwyn and Wells, the novel strikes a delightful balance between flirtatious banter, mystical mischief, and emotional depth. Erin Sterling’s (aka Rachel Hawkins) writing sparkles with wit and warmth, her tone effortlessly blending humor with romance and a dash of fantasy. The pacing is brisk, with moments of magical adventure complementing tender emotional beats. The small-town setting of Graves Glen—with its enchanted streets, talking cats, and eccentric locals—creates an immersive, whimsical backdrop that enhances both the comedy and the romance.
❤️ Character Deep Dive
✅ Gwyn Jones’ Vibrant Independence
Gwyn is bold, self-assured, and unapologetically confident in both her magic and her identity. After finding her footing post-The Ex Hex, she’s thriving—until Wells’s arrival challenges her in unexpected ways. Beneath her confident exterior lies vulnerability, particularly around family legacy and love.
Example: Gwyn’s efforts to protect her young protégés, the “Baby Witches,” show her nurturing side and deep sense of responsibility, contrasting with her fiery banter toward Wells.
Lesson: True strength lies not in proving independence but in learning to open one’s heart without fear of losing oneself.
✅ Wells Penhallow’s Order and Restraint
Wells is the opposite of Gwyn—controlled, logical, and shaped by old magical traditions. His return to Graves Glen isn’t just about business; it’s about stepping out from his family’s shadow and finding his own path. Through Gwyn, he learns to loosen up and embrace joy, spontaneity, and vulnerability.
Lesson: Wells’s journey shows that love—and magic—can’t be mastered by rules; it flourishes through trust and surrender.
✅ Supporting Cast and Community Charm
The return of beloved characters from The Ex Hex, including Vivi and Rhys, adds familiarity and warmth. The Baby Witches provide comic relief and heart, reflecting themes of mentorship and belonging. Graves Glen’s lively, enchanted community acts as both a stage for the romance and a symbol of magical kinship.
🌙 Themes and Symbolism
✨ Magic as a Metaphor for Emotion
In The Kiss Curse, magic mirrors emotional connection. Gwyn and Wells’s magical duels are charged with the same energy as their growing attraction—passionate, unpredictable, and transformative.
✨ Tradition vs. Freedom
The story contrasts Wells’s structured, heritage-bound approach to magic with Gwyn’s free-spirited creativity, exploring how balance between tradition and individuality leads to true power—both magical and personal.
✨ Healing Through Connection
Beyond romance, the novel explores self-healing through community and love. Both leads learn to let go of isolation and embrace interdependence as a strength rather than a weakness.
✍️ Writing Style
Erin Sterling’s prose is sharp, sassy, and effortlessly readable. Her dialogue sparkles with quick wit, her descriptions bring magical realism to life, and her tone strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart. The mix of romance, comedy, and cozy fantasy gives The Kiss Curse a breezy yet emotionally satisfying feel, ideal for readers who love light paranormal romance with substance.
🌍 Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon release, The Kiss Curse was praised for its humor, chemistry, and vibrant world-building. Readers loved the electric dynamic between Gwyn and Wells, as well as the way Sterling expanded Graves Glen’s magical lore. Critics highlighted the book’s “witchy rom-com” tone—fun, flirtatious, and full of heart. Some readers felt it was lighter in conflict than The Ex Hex, but many appreciated its cozy, feel-good energy and mature emotional undertones.
✅ Strengths
- Enchanting small-town magical setting
- Sharp, funny banter and sizzling chemistry
- Empowering portrayal of confident, independent women
- Perfect mix of cozy fantasy and heartfelt romance
❌ Minor Criticisms
- Conflict resolution feels a bit rushed in the final act
- The plot leans more on charm than high-stakes tension
🌹 Conclusion: A Sparkling, Spellbinding Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
The Kiss Curse is a delightful blend of humor, magic, and heart—a cozy paranormal romance that radiates charm. Erin Sterling crafts a world where love and magic intertwine effortlessly, reminding readers that connection can be as transformative as any spell. With witty banter, enchanting settings, and characters who glow with chemistry, this novel is an irresistible read for anyone who loves their romance with a touch of witchcraft and a whole lot of heart.
