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This Fatal Kiss
Spirit away with a whimsical fantasy filled with dark magic and flirty, polyamorous romance.
Cursed to haunt the river running through the magical spa town where she drowned, Gisela is a water nymph who dreams of returning to the living world and the family she left behind. All it takes to regain her humanity is a kiss from a mortal...but everyone sees her as a monster.
And then there’s Kazik, the brooding, interfering, spirit-hunting grandson of a local witch. He's determined to rid the world of unholy creatures like Gisela. After Kazik botches Gisela’s exorcism, she strikes up a deal. She won’t tell the other spirits that he’s losing his magic, if he agrees to play matchmaker and helps her get a kiss. But Gisela’s plan goes awry when Kazik also falls for the devilishly handsome young man that she sets her heart on—someone who could be linked to Gisela’s troubled past.
Finely crafted with a magical setting, this delectable quest through the spirit world is an enchanting read for fans of queer romantasy.
Cursed to haunt the river running through the magical spa town where she drowned, Gisela is a water nymph who dreams of returning to the living world and the family she left behind. All it takes to regain her humanity is a kiss from a mortal...but everyone sees her as a monster.
And then there’s Kazik, the brooding, interfering, spirit-hunting grandson of a local witch. He's determined to rid the world of unholy creatures like Gisela. After Kazik botches Gisela’s exorcism, she strikes up a deal. She won’t tell the other spirits that he’s losing his magic, if he agrees to play matchmaker and helps her get a kiss. But Gisela’s plan goes awry when Kazik also falls for the devilishly handsome young man that she sets her heart on—someone who could be linked to Gisela’s troubled past.
Finely crafted with a magical setting, this delectable quest through the spirit world is an enchanting read for fans of queer romantasy.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2024
About the author
Alicia Jasinska
3 books661 followersAlicia Jasinska hails from Sydney, Australia and is the author of acclaimed YA novels THE DARK TIDE and THE MIDNIGHT GIRLS. A library technician by day, she spends her nights writing and hanging upside down from the aerial hoop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
August 26, 2024
There’s a special, powerful kind of magic in the connections we make with other people.
slavic folklore meets spirited away with a queer polyamorous romance and all the delectable food descriptions you could ever want.
a fantastical, whimsical, and richly atmospheric tale filled with mythical beings and a bit of a mystery.
the poly romance was done quite well for me; there's an exciting tension between rusałka gisela and town exorcist kazik. the way she shamelessly taunts and teases him makes for a fun sassy x grumpy dynamic. she also challenges him though on a more serious note: how to take his faith in stride, but also keep his own humanity in check when dealing with spirits. he's forced to ask himself: do spirits not have their own humanity? are they always only bad?
“Do you want to die?” He panted.
“I’m already dead!” Gisela said in a singsong.
“Then die properly this time.”
“This is my dear sweet friend Gisela. She’s so nice. So pretty. She’s—”
“A cold-blooded demon.”
“Someone might find that appealing, actually. It’s like when the other spirits say things about you. Oh, that wicked exorcist. So dangerous. So sexy.”
i also felt like the relationships between the two of them and aleksey were both compelling and done equally well. the trio dynamic had me giggling and kicking my feet for them. i'm more ambivalent typically when it comes to poly, but this had me rooting hard for them.
AND THE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS OMG. with all the cozy witch vibes and summer festivals happening in here, there is no shortage of food so you better have something yummy on hand! i'm about to go make myself a blueberry pierogi just to know how it tastes myself 😭
this does touch on religious trauma and bi/homophobia, and the folklore has some dark elements, but overall this was a very enjoyable YA fantasy!
Spirits are hard to win over, but if you earn their loyalty, you have it forever.
that ending?!?! pls tell me there's a sequel on the way???!!!
an honest arc review ♡
_____________________
⊹₊｡ꕤ˚₊⊹ preread ⊹₊｡ꕤ˚₊⊹
i've seen this in a few moots' fav 2024 reads lists so i'm excited!
slavic folklore meets spirited away with a queer polyamorous romance and all the delectable food descriptions you could ever want.
a fantastical, whimsical, and richly atmospheric tale filled with mythical beings and a bit of a mystery.
the poly romance was done quite well for me; there's an exciting tension between rusałka gisela and town exorcist kazik. the way she shamelessly taunts and teases him makes for a fun sassy x grumpy dynamic. she also challenges him though on a more serious note: how to take his faith in stride, but also keep his own humanity in check when dealing with spirits. he's forced to ask himself: do spirits not have their own humanity? are they always only bad?
“Do you want to die?” He panted.
“I’m already dead!” Gisela said in a singsong.
“Then die properly this time.”
“This is my dear sweet friend Gisela. She’s so nice. So pretty. She’s—”
“A cold-blooded demon.”
“Someone might find that appealing, actually. It’s like when the other spirits say things about you. Oh, that wicked exorcist. So dangerous. So sexy.”
i also felt like the relationships between the two of them and aleksey were both compelling and done equally well. the trio dynamic had me giggling and kicking my feet for them. i'm more ambivalent typically when it comes to poly, but this had me rooting hard for them.
AND THE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS OMG. with all the cozy witch vibes and summer festivals happening in here, there is no shortage of food so you better have something yummy on hand! i'm about to go make myself a blueberry pierogi just to know how it tastes myself 😭
this does touch on religious trauma and bi/homophobia, and the folklore has some dark elements, but overall this was a very enjoyable YA fantasy!
Spirits are hard to win over, but if you earn their loyalty, you have it forever.
that ending?!?! pls tell me there's a sequel on the way???!!!
an honest arc review ♡
_____________________
⊹₊｡ꕤ˚₊⊹ preread ⊹₊｡ꕤ˚₊⊹
i've seen this in a few moots' fav 2024 reads lists so i'm excited!
October 19, 2024
a water nymph annoys the local exorcist so much he falls in love
Bookstagram | Blog
Bookstagram | Blog
August 15, 2024
''You couldn’t let yourself forget those pretty faces hid wicked hearts''
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for providing this ARC!
She’s hilarious. She should have a podcast.
“Did—did your exorcism just”—Gisela’s voice dropped—“fail?” Mortification warred with shock for control of Kazik’s face. “Do you want to try again?” Gisela offered kindly.
She really would tweet that the hottest thing a man can do if be a little pathetic.
“Who was that girl with Kazik?” “No idea.” Aleksey sank down across from Roza on the picnic blanket; she’d spread it over the grass beneath a chestnut tree planted to guard the gravestones.
“She said she was his friend.”
“He has friends now?”
3.5/5
This was a fun, original YA story that does feel age appropriate yet does not shy away from themes that are often reserved for New Adult/Adult novels. The ambiguety when it comes to defining when this story takes place was actually a really nice touch, since it makes the story feel timeless enough to not have decade specific events or technology interfering with the plot, yet allowing the young characters to have personalities very close to what we would see in current 2020s teenagers, like how casual the Bisexual representation is.
I really enjoy Polish folklore being at the center of this story. Even though the creatures we’re following are not new, they feel almost as if they are, after the over-saturation of the other magical beings we tend to read about all the time.
Something about the tone of the writing didn’t quite click for me; it had all the elements that would make a gothic story yet sometimes it felt like it was written as a Disney Channel Original Movie. The mix was close to whimsical, as I was expecting from the synopsis, but not quite.
“Wait, Kazik!” He pulled the door shut. “I didn’t even get to eat my soup!”
The story could’ve been edited down. It felt like it went on for a bit too long, some conversations feeling a little pointless and information being repeated to us a few times, as if the author didn’t trust us to remember what had been said previously.
Though I appreciate the introduction of a polyamorous relationship, I feel like only the romance between two of the characters was developed to a point where I could see genuine feeling between them.
[“I’m really not.” Kazik struggled to force the smile back into the dark depths of his soul, where it belonged. He stood, dusting off his backside, avoiding eye contact. It would be pure madness to admit he was smiling because of an unholy terror like Gisela].
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for providing this ARC!
She’s hilarious. She should have a podcast.
“Did—did your exorcism just”—Gisela’s voice dropped—“fail?” Mortification warred with shock for control of Kazik’s face. “Do you want to try again?” Gisela offered kindly.
She really would tweet that the hottest thing a man can do if be a little pathetic.
“Who was that girl with Kazik?” “No idea.” Aleksey sank down across from Roza on the picnic blanket; she’d spread it over the grass beneath a chestnut tree planted to guard the gravestones.
“She said she was his friend.”
“He has friends now?”
3.5/5
This was a fun, original YA story that does feel age appropriate yet does not shy away from themes that are often reserved for New Adult/Adult novels. The ambiguety when it comes to defining when this story takes place was actually a really nice touch, since it makes the story feel timeless enough to not have decade specific events or technology interfering with the plot, yet allowing the young characters to have personalities very close to what we would see in current 2020s teenagers, like how casual the Bisexual representation is.
I really enjoy Polish folklore being at the center of this story. Even though the creatures we’re following are not new, they feel almost as if they are, after the over-saturation of the other magical beings we tend to read about all the time.
Something about the tone of the writing didn’t quite click for me; it had all the elements that would make a gothic story yet sometimes it felt like it was written as a Disney Channel Original Movie. The mix was close to whimsical, as I was expecting from the synopsis, but not quite.
“Wait, Kazik!” He pulled the door shut. “I didn’t even get to eat my soup!”
The story could’ve been edited down. It felt like it went on for a bit too long, some conversations feeling a little pointless and information being repeated to us a few times, as if the author didn’t trust us to remember what had been said previously.
Though I appreciate the introduction of a polyamorous relationship, I feel like only the romance between two of the characters was developed to a point where I could see genuine feeling between them.
[“I’m really not.” Kazik struggled to force the smile back into the dark depths of his soul, where it belonged. He stood, dusting off his backside, avoiding eye contact. It would be pure madness to admit he was smiling because of an unholy terror like Gisela].
Currently reading
August 5, 2024August 5, 2024.
I've already read 2 polyam romances before this one, so my first pre-read review no longer applies. 😂 Still pretty excited though!
*I usually only read 1 book at a time but it's been difficult to make progress on my other read since it's a physical book, so I'm reading this eARC alongside it.
May 2024.
This is going to be my first second (kind-of third?) polyamorous romance read ever, so fingers crossed! 🤞 I'll be reading it a bit closer to the release date if I can help myself. 😭
I've already read 2 polyam romances before this one, so my first pre-read review no longer applies. 😂 Still pretty excited though!
*I usually only read 1 book at a time but it's been difficult to make progress on my other read since it's a physical book, so I'm reading this eARC alongside it.
May 2024.
Want to read
August 14, 2024ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ GOT THE ARC 😭😭 I can't read this muuch and my feedback ratio is like 17% UGHHHH
(also the cover is gorg)
(also the cover is gorg)
Read
November 30, 2024I’m on BookTube now! =)
This book was such a great surprise!
I absolutely loved the world building and all the characters! I swear I never shipped a throuple so hard! Like, seriously, Gisela, Kazik and Aleksey were everything! <333
Also Kazik is my precious bi disaster boy and no one can persuade me otherwise! Loved him so much!
Full review to come soon-ish! ;-)
__________________________________
Okay, this comes a couple of days too late but let’s finally do this!
“This Fatal Kiss” is going to be my first #Rainboween read and I’m so curious about it!
I mean we have a folklore tale with a nymph, the son of a local witch and a love interest they both fall for while they also fall for each other?! Polyamorous rep is so rare and this is just perfect for my readathon! I think this will tick off many prompts from the bingo board! XD
I AM READY!
P.S: If you want to know more about #Rainboween and the bingo board just follow the link to my channel and IG! You can still join if you want to. ;-)
Find me on:
My Blog
Instagram
This book was such a great surprise!
I absolutely loved the world building and all the characters! I swear I never shipped a throuple so hard! Like, seriously, Gisela, Kazik and Aleksey were everything! <333
Also Kazik is my precious bi disaster boy and no one can persuade me otherwise! Loved him so much!
Full review to come soon-ish! ;-)
__________________________________
Okay, this comes a couple of days too late but let’s finally do this!
“This Fatal Kiss” is going to be my first #Rainboween read and I’m so curious about it!
I mean we have a folklore tale with a nymph, the son of a local witch and a love interest they both fall for while they also fall for each other?! Polyamorous rep is so rare and this is just perfect for my readathon! I think this will tick off many prompts from the bingo board! XD
I AM READY!
P.S: If you want to know more about #Rainboween and the bingo board just follow the link to my channel and IG! You can still join if you want to. ;-)
Find me on:
My Blog
October 12, 2024
Reminded me of "The Bear and the Nightingale", "Little Thieves" and "Spirited Away" and these are all some of my favorite things. So of course I enjoyed this one as well. Now I'm hoping for a sequel ...
August 11, 2024
4.5/5
This Slavic folktale inspired poly romantic fantasy was such a cheeky mischievous book! I absolutely adored every single second with the biggest grin on my face.
Gisela is a Rusałki, the spirit of a drowned girl. She has been causing mischief and havoc all across town in an effort to charm a kiss out of someone, as it is said that if a Rusałki kisses a mortal she will regain her humanity. However the biggest obstacle in her path (other than being dead) is Kazik, the resident exorcist. Ever since his grandmother died, Kazik has dedicated his days to ridding the world of the unholy creatures who haunt his town. After he catches the pesky water spirit who has consumed all his attention, Kazik tries to exorcise her once and for all. But his magic fails. Deciding to use this as an opportunity for blackmail, Gisela promises to keep Kazik’s waning power a secret if he helps her get her kiss. Kazik reluctantly agrees, but immediately regrets this pact when he realizes the boy Gisela has set her sights on is Alesky, the charming dashing boy from his childhood. As Gisela and Kazik spend their days getting to know Alesky, they both begin to fall for him. As well as with each other. However, Alesky might not be exactly who claims to be. And he may even be connected to Gisela’s death.
The entire concept of this book is phenomenal. Literally no notes it was perfect. I really loved the Slavic folklore infused throughout the story. The sisterhood amongst the Rusałki and the father figure that was Wojciech made the spirit world feel so homely and lovely. I loved the setting of Leśna Woda being a vacation town with their various bathhouses. And the glimpses we got of Gisela’s home island were fascinating (I just learned that she is from the same island Alicia’s other book The Dark Tide takes place in which is cool!) All the scenes felt like they were floating off the pages, they were so vivid and descriptive.
There is so much amazing queer representation in this book, even outside of our three bi/pan main characters. I loveeee love triangles where it’s actually a triangle because everyone loves everyone. There is so much flirting going on! I also really liked how the concept of gender was played around with. Gisela often mentions how she doesn’t always feel like a girl, but it’s too much work to explain it to everyone else. Alesky also has an interesting relationship with gender (can’t say much because spoilers).
I am a little confused as to the type of time period this takes place. The characters often use modern language and slang. But it’s mentioned how the world is just beginning to become more technologically advanced. There’s radios, but seemingly no telephones. It’s an interesting mix so I’m not upset about it. It plays well with the clashing of old world vs new world values, folklore vs religion, and the impact of modernization that pops up through the story.
The ending chapter was fairly abrupt. But that’s probably attributed to me thinking this was a standalone. It’s not! And now I’m so incredibly excited for the sequel (if we get it, we better get it or else). This was so whimsical and silly and cheeky and I had an amazing time.
Thank you so much NetGalley and PeachTree Teen for the eARC!!
This Slavic folktale inspired poly romantic fantasy was such a cheeky mischievous book! I absolutely adored every single second with the biggest grin on my face.
Gisela is a Rusałki, the spirit of a drowned girl. She has been causing mischief and havoc all across town in an effort to charm a kiss out of someone, as it is said that if a Rusałki kisses a mortal she will regain her humanity. However the biggest obstacle in her path (other than being dead) is Kazik, the resident exorcist. Ever since his grandmother died, Kazik has dedicated his days to ridding the world of the unholy creatures who haunt his town. After he catches the pesky water spirit who has consumed all his attention, Kazik tries to exorcise her once and for all. But his magic fails. Deciding to use this as an opportunity for blackmail, Gisela promises to keep Kazik’s waning power a secret if he helps her get her kiss. Kazik reluctantly agrees, but immediately regrets this pact when he realizes the boy Gisela has set her sights on is Alesky, the charming dashing boy from his childhood. As Gisela and Kazik spend their days getting to know Alesky, they both begin to fall for him. As well as with each other. However, Alesky might not be exactly who claims to be. And he may even be connected to Gisela’s death.
The entire concept of this book is phenomenal. Literally no notes it was perfect. I really loved the Slavic folklore infused throughout the story. The sisterhood amongst the Rusałki and the father figure that was Wojciech made the spirit world feel so homely and lovely. I loved the setting of Leśna Woda being a vacation town with their various bathhouses. And the glimpses we got of Gisela’s home island were fascinating (I just learned that she is from the same island Alicia’s other book The Dark Tide takes place in which is cool!) All the scenes felt like they were floating off the pages, they were so vivid and descriptive.
There is so much amazing queer representation in this book, even outside of our three bi/pan main characters. I loveeee love triangles where it’s actually a triangle because everyone loves everyone. There is so much flirting going on! I also really liked how the concept of gender was played around with. Gisela often mentions how she doesn’t always feel like a girl, but it’s too much work to explain it to everyone else. Alesky also has an interesting relationship with gender (can’t say much because spoilers).
I am a little confused as to the type of time period this takes place. The characters often use modern language and slang. But it’s mentioned how the world is just beginning to become more technologically advanced. There’s radios, but seemingly no telephones. It’s an interesting mix so I’m not upset about it. It plays well with the clashing of old world vs new world values, folklore vs religion, and the impact of modernization that pops up through the story.
The ending chapter was fairly abrupt. But that’s probably attributed to me thinking this was a standalone. It’s not! And now I’m so incredibly excited for the sequel (if we get it, we better get it or else). This was so whimsical and silly and cheeky and I had an amazing time.
Thank you so much NetGalley and PeachTree Teen for the eARC!!
September 4, 2024
*Review to come*
August 31, 2024
2024 reads: 245/250
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
gisela is a water nymph who has been cursed to haunt the river running through the town in which she drowned. she wants nothing more than to return to her normal life…which she finds out may be possible with one kiss from a mortal. getting this kiss may be harder than she thought, since everyone sees her as a monster, including kazik, the spirit-hunter she’s recruited to help her. but when kazik falls for the same person gisela has her sights set on, things get a little messy.
i’ve read and loved one other book by alicia jasinska, so i was expecting to at least really enjoy this one, too. this was a lot different, but i still really loved it! the slavic folklore aspect immediately drew me in. this is something that really interests me, but i haven’t found many books that incorporate this element. i loved how many different beings (biesy, rusałki, etc.) were discussed.
in addition to the slavic folklore, i also loved the characters themselves. each one was so complex, even aleksey, who wasn’t as prominent of a character as gisela and kazik (though still important). i loved seeing their character growth and how their relationship developed.
overall, this was a fantastic book, and i highly recommend it to readers who enjoy ya fantasy.
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
gisela is a water nymph who has been cursed to haunt the river running through the town in which she drowned. she wants nothing more than to return to her normal life…which she finds out may be possible with one kiss from a mortal. getting this kiss may be harder than she thought, since everyone sees her as a monster, including kazik, the spirit-hunter she’s recruited to help her. but when kazik falls for the same person gisela has her sights set on, things get a little messy.
i’ve read and loved one other book by alicia jasinska, so i was expecting to at least really enjoy this one, too. this was a lot different, but i still really loved it! the slavic folklore aspect immediately drew me in. this is something that really interests me, but i haven’t found many books that incorporate this element. i loved how many different beings (biesy, rusałki, etc.) were discussed.
in addition to the slavic folklore, i also loved the characters themselves. each one was so complex, even aleksey, who wasn’t as prominent of a character as gisela and kazik (though still important). i loved seeing their character growth and how their relationship developed.
overall, this was a fantastic book, and i highly recommend it to readers who enjoy ya fantasy.
September 29, 2024
i thought this was a standalone i was bamboozled WHAT WAS THAT ENDING 😭😭😭😭
Shelved as 'interested-in'
September 2, 2024ok, time to give this arc a go.. it seems made for me lol so hopefully it’s a good one! 🤞🏽
June 17, 2024
This was fantastic! A love triangle mixed with Slavic folklore! I was wondering before I picked it up if it would be too sappy, but it wasn’t at all. It had just the right amount of tension. I highly recommend this and am looking forward to the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
October 21, 2024
RTC ❤️
November 29, 2024
Whimsical and fast-paced despite also feeling incomplete and long-winded
It’s not often I see descriptions of YA books featuring polyamory and I’m a sucker for mermaid or mermaid-adjacent stories. This journey through various mysteries related to creatures from Slavic folklore was one that held my attention firmly from start to finish.
The nuisance to lovers element that takes place in the forefront between our two main leads, an undead water nymph and the local agitated exorcist she loves to pester, was fun. And the worldbuilding was wildly interesting in this small town with creatures both hidden and very much so known.
But it’s also in the worldbuilding that I regularly found myself frustrated. It’s a fictional, fantastical world based (somewhat) on our own but there is not solid time period the setting is based on/in. I originally thought the setting would be hundreds of years ago but then there was a mention of a telephone and Gisela making fun of Kazik’s god by calling him “sky daddy” which all felt too modern (and too tumblr). The setting feels suspended loosely in time in a way that feels less intentional and more accidental. It’s like the author wanted the aesthetics and vibe of a renaissance festival but in the worst, most incomplete way.
I also found myself underwhelmed with Gisela’s exploration and subplot on her role as the eldest daughter in her household. She speaks often about the pressures of being parentified and constantly watch over her younger brother but then also last minute throws in how much she loves her brother more than anything. So much of any genuine feelings of love gets lost in her not being able to acknowledge the existence of her sibling without bringing up how much she loathes taking care of him. Not one happy memory removed from her resentment? Ever ?? It was strange and something I wish could’ve been expanded on.
The mystery surrounding Gisela’s death/murder, though, was very compelling- especially with the added layer of potentially regaining her humanity. The end was weirdly abrupt ? So I guess this isn’t the standalone I thought it was going into it. I’m curious to see how a throuple would be developed further beyond what we’ve seen so far.
CW: death, grief, murder, violence, brief references to past rape/sexual assault, brief biphobia
It’s not often I see descriptions of YA books featuring polyamory and I’m a sucker for mermaid or mermaid-adjacent stories. This journey through various mysteries related to creatures from Slavic folklore was one that held my attention firmly from start to finish.
The nuisance to lovers element that takes place in the forefront between our two main leads, an undead water nymph and the local agitated exorcist she loves to pester, was fun. And the worldbuilding was wildly interesting in this small town with creatures both hidden and very much so known.
But it’s also in the worldbuilding that I regularly found myself frustrated. It’s a fictional, fantastical world based (somewhat) on our own but there is not solid time period the setting is based on/in. I originally thought the setting would be hundreds of years ago but then there was a mention of a telephone and Gisela making fun of Kazik’s god by calling him “sky daddy” which all felt too modern (and too tumblr). The setting feels suspended loosely in time in a way that feels less intentional and more accidental. It’s like the author wanted the aesthetics and vibe of a renaissance festival but in the worst, most incomplete way.
I also found myself underwhelmed with Gisela’s exploration and subplot on her role as the eldest daughter in her household. She speaks often about the pressures of being parentified and constantly watch over her younger brother but then also last minute throws in how much she loves her brother more than anything. So much of any genuine feelings of love gets lost in her not being able to acknowledge the existence of her sibling without bringing up how much she loathes taking care of him. Not one happy memory removed from her resentment? Ever ?? It was strange and something I wish could’ve been expanded on.
The mystery surrounding Gisela’s death/murder, though, was very compelling- especially with the added layer of potentially regaining her humanity. The end was weirdly abrupt ? So I guess this isn’t the standalone I thought it was going into it. I’m curious to see how a throuple would be developed further beyond what we’ve seen so far.
CW: death, grief, murder, violence, brief references to past rape/sexual assault, brief biphobia
October 23, 2024
three 3/4 stars!
this was really lovely, especially the beginning and early middle parts where we got to learn about gisela and her situation, it was all set up well and she was so charming.
i liked the boys as well, but gisela was definitely more compelling and kept me around. i would have loved some more interactions with the other water nymphs, but gisela's desires are the forefront of the story so i understand why we were away from that a lot of the time.
the plot was simple, and executed quite well, though the middle and the end i found harder to get through and i wasnt reading quite so much everyday as i was at the beginning.
love love love all the lgbt rep in this book, so refreshing honestly
this was really lovely, especially the beginning and early middle parts where we got to learn about gisela and her situation, it was all set up well and she was so charming.
i liked the boys as well, but gisela was definitely more compelling and kept me around. i would have loved some more interactions with the other water nymphs, but gisela's desires are the forefront of the story so i understand why we were away from that a lot of the time.
the plot was simple, and executed quite well, though the middle and the end i found harder to get through and i wasnt reading quite so much everyday as i was at the beginning.
love love love all the lgbt rep in this book, so refreshing honestly
November 26, 2024
alright why didn’t anyone tell me this isn’t a standalone 😭😭😭
May 24, 2024
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a chance to read this as an arc!
Okay soo, this was honestly such a delightful and fun read, it was surprisingly funny and had a very very sweet romance.
The setting in the book gave me the strongest ghibli vibes (especially spirited away), and that together with the slavic folklore woven into the story created such a dreamy atmosphere and was just so fascinating to read about!
I really enjoyed the writing as well, since it was super easy to read and also engaging without ever getting boring, what I liked especially was that each of the characters had a very strong and distinct voice in the different pov chapters.
The one thing that was a bit frustrating while reading, was that some 'things' were constantly repeated and mentioned throughout the book, as if the author didn't fully trust the reader to understand the importance or meaning after the first (or second) mention... but other than that I really don't have much complaints.
One of my main reasons for wanting to read this book was the queer rep and the poly love triangle (!!!!) that's in it, and I have to say it absolutely delivered and was everything I wanted it to be!!
The romance between the characters never felt rushed or forced, and I wanted every one of them to end up together, because the chemistry was just that good 😭.... a really wonderfully done slowburn.
Most of all I appreciated the bi-rep throughout the book! & also the way the 'biphobia' that the main characters had to deal with at some points was adressed and handled,, which isn't something I see often in books. 🩷💜💙
overall I'm beyond happy that I got to read this arc and will definitely be recommending this book to anyone that wants to read a cozy, fun & atmospheric book full of magic and folklore!
also the ending?? I desperately need a sequel 😭
Okay soo, this was honestly such a delightful and fun read, it was surprisingly funny and had a very very sweet romance.
The setting in the book gave me the strongest ghibli vibes (especially spirited away), and that together with the slavic folklore woven into the story created such a dreamy atmosphere and was just so fascinating to read about!
I really enjoyed the writing as well, since it was super easy to read and also engaging without ever getting boring, what I liked especially was that each of the characters had a very strong and distinct voice in the different pov chapters.
The one thing that was a bit frustrating while reading, was that some 'things' were constantly repeated and mentioned throughout the book, as if the author didn't fully trust the reader to understand the importance or meaning after the first (or second) mention... but other than that I really don't have much complaints.
One of my main reasons for wanting to read this book was the queer rep and the poly love triangle (!!!!) that's in it, and I have to say it absolutely delivered and was everything I wanted it to be!!
The romance between the characters never felt rushed or forced, and I wanted every one of them to end up together, because the chemistry was just that good 😭.... a really wonderfully done slowburn.
Most of all I appreciated the bi-rep throughout the book! & also the way the 'biphobia' that the main characters had to deal with at some points was adressed and handled,, which isn't something I see often in books. 🩷💜💙
overall I'm beyond happy that I got to read this arc and will definitely be recommending this book to anyone that wants to read a cozy, fun & atmospheric book full of magic and folklore!
also the ending?? I desperately need a sequel 😭
Want to read
August 10, 2024Ahhhh! I've got the netgalley arc for this!!!
excited to read this whimsical fantasy soon <3
excited to read this whimsical fantasy soon <3
November 27, 2024
I mean, with that kind of ending, we need another book, right? RIGHT?
September 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Peachtree Teen, and Alicia Jasinska for the ARC and allowing me this opportunity to read and share my thoughts!
"Some of us were born into supportive families. Some of us have to find or create our own."
➤Plot
May Interest you if you like:
- Poly Romance
- Sweetheart Popular guy
- Brooding Exorcist
- Flirty Water Nymph
- Supportive text about gender fluidity and sexuality
- bi and sapphic representation
- Found Family
- Slowburn Romance
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Water nymphs are cursed to forever be stuck where they died until they get revenge for who killed them, learn to accept being a water nymph, or receive a kiss from a human to tie them back into the mortal realm. Gisela has been trying so hard to get a human to kiss her, but either they realize what she is or this pesty exorcist gets in her way before she can get kissed.
Knowing that Kazik, the brooding exorcist, wants her gone - she makes a deal with him: play matchmaker so she can get a kiss and she will forever leave his life.
So... Why did she have to pick the charming guy that Kazik had a crush on?
➤Characters
ALICIA JASINSKA!!! GIVE ME YOUR AMAZING SKILL TO WRITE REALISTIC DIALOGUE!!! I BEG!
But seriously, Jasinka has written these characters so well that I felt like they were an actual friend group. Their dialogue felt so realistic and captured me in right away. The first scene with all three of them made me instantly go - "yep, I'm all on this ship. Let's go"
I am a sucker for slowburn romance and she gave time for each side of the romance to really bloom and make it feel believable.
Gisela is so cute and charming, I want to be her friend. She is so playful and has such a warm personality to her. Which makes Kazik's brooding and more cold demeanor so fun to see, especially when she teases him and actually makes him flustered. Aleksey who is a very charming guy but you quickly realize there is much more than meets the eye to him also completes the trio.
I also love that this doesn't just focus on romantic relationships, but also platonic relationships that Gisela has with her other water nymphs and water goblin father figure, Kazik with his cousin and older townfolk that treat him like their adopted grandson, and Aleksey with his sibling like relationship with Roza.
➤Enjoyment
I enjoyed this a lot!! I have a big fasciation with sea creatures (supernatural or not), so having a poly romance with a nymph that's a slow burn? YES PLEASE!!! My only gripe is that it wasn't slightly longer. I wanted a chapter or two more to really round out the ending. Leaves me with wanting more.
"Some of us were born into supportive families. Some of us have to find or create our own."
➤Plot
May Interest you if you like:
- Poly Romance
- Sweetheart Popular guy
- Brooding Exorcist
- Flirty Water Nymph
- Supportive text about gender fluidity and sexuality
- bi and sapphic representation
- Found Family
- Slowburn Romance
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Water nymphs are cursed to forever be stuck where they died until they get revenge for who killed them, learn to accept being a water nymph, or receive a kiss from a human to tie them back into the mortal realm. Gisela has been trying so hard to get a human to kiss her, but either they realize what she is or this pesty exorcist gets in her way before she can get kissed.
Knowing that Kazik, the brooding exorcist, wants her gone - she makes a deal with him: play matchmaker so she can get a kiss and she will forever leave his life.
So... Why did she have to pick the charming guy that Kazik had a crush on?
➤Characters
ALICIA JASINSKA!!! GIVE ME YOUR AMAZING SKILL TO WRITE REALISTIC DIALOGUE!!! I BEG!
But seriously, Jasinka has written these characters so well that I felt like they were an actual friend group. Their dialogue felt so realistic and captured me in right away. The first scene with all three of them made me instantly go - "yep, I'm all on this ship. Let's go"
I am a sucker for slowburn romance and she gave time for each side of the romance to really bloom and make it feel believable.
Gisela is so cute and charming, I want to be her friend. She is so playful and has such a warm personality to her. Which makes Kazik's brooding and more cold demeanor so fun to see, especially when she teases him and actually makes him flustered. Aleksey who is a very charming guy but you quickly realize there is much more than meets the eye to him also completes the trio.
I also love that this doesn't just focus on romantic relationships, but also platonic relationships that Gisela has with her other water nymphs and water goblin father figure, Kazik with his cousin and older townfolk that treat him like their adopted grandson, and Aleksey with his sibling like relationship with Roza.
➤Enjoyment
I enjoyed this a lot!! I have a big fasciation with sea creatures (supernatural or not), so having a poly romance with a nymph that's a slow burn? YES PLEASE!!! My only gripe is that it wasn't slightly longer. I wanted a chapter or two more to really round out the ending. Leaves me with wanting more.
August 30, 2024
4.5/5 stars
this book made me giggle, laugh, scream, and blush so often that it's a wonder i'm not a melted puddle on the floor. i didn't know what to expect when i went into this with the polyamory romance at the forefront of the blurb, but it truly did not disappoint. what makes it better is how deliciously twisted it is. i love the slow and gradual hatred between kazik and gisela, which turns into forced companionship and something more later on. i love that they're both smitten with aleksey but he has his own secrets and agenda. i love love love how the story of them in the past and present intersect and create some complications. it's also important for me to mention the water nymphs' bond with each other and how they take care of each other no matter what. i can see myself rereading this book in the future as a comfort read, and based on that ending, i am fully expecting a sequel at works because YOU CAN'T LEAVE US WITH JUST THAT HELLO...
this book made me giggle, laugh, scream, and blush so often that it's a wonder i'm not a melted puddle on the floor. i didn't know what to expect when i went into this with the polyamory romance at the forefront of the blurb, but it truly did not disappoint. what makes it better is how deliciously twisted it is. i love the slow and gradual hatred between kazik and gisela, which turns into forced companionship and something more later on. i love that they're both smitten with aleksey but he has his own secrets and agenda. i love love love how the story of them in the past and present intersect and create some complications. it's also important for me to mention the water nymphs' bond with each other and how they take care of each other no matter what. i can see myself rereading this book in the future as a comfort read, and based on that ending, i am fully expecting a sequel at works because YOU CAN'T LEAVE US WITH JUST THAT HELLO...
November 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really loved the Slavic folklore woven into this story, with various types of being included, which was really interesting! I loved the dynamics between the characters, particularly between Kazik and Gisela. There's some cosy witch vibes going on in here, with summer festivals and gorgeous food, but there's also a lot of heavy topics being dealt with, and I felt this book balanced the two really well. I was shocked at one specific plot twist in here, and there were a lot of funny moments. I just hope this is going to have a sequel, because that ending is very much open for one!
I really loved the Slavic folklore woven into this story, with various types of being included, which was really interesting! I loved the dynamics between the characters, particularly between Kazik and Gisela. There's some cosy witch vibes going on in here, with summer festivals and gorgeous food, but there's also a lot of heavy topics being dealt with, and I felt this book balanced the two really well. I was shocked at one specific plot twist in here, and there were a lot of funny moments. I just hope this is going to have a sequel, because that ending is very much open for one!
July 13, 2024
An amazing folklore fantasy romance. I felt this book is unique within its genre and recommend it on that fact alone. I book is YA and appropriate for that age range, but also timeless to be enjoyed by all. There was just something fresh about the story, it’s fun and whimsy but with dark topics. The romance is fun, there’s banter, tension and mischief. The plot itself is different and I just adored the characters/found family. What I most loved was the underlying message of not to judge someone on one aspect. Overall I loved this and highly recommend. Also I cannot wait to see some of the art that people will produce having read this as I know it will be beautiful. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
November 28, 2024
Fantastic worldbuilding with cottage core vibes.🍄🌳 Lovely, original characters with a sweet romance. I just think the book was "over-written," which (for me) slightly took away from the plot. Some of the writing just seemed to drone on, and I found myself bored at times. There was no need for this to be 400 pages. There also weren't very many scenes or quotes that stood out to me as jaw-dropping or memorable. That being said, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a cute, cozy, YA fantasy read.✨
⭐⭐⭐/5
⭐⭐⭐/5
July 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC. I received my copy in exchange of an honest review.
This Fatal Kiss was one of my best reads of 2024.
It was sweet and enjoyable. I really fell in love with it.
Everything in this book is unique. You can't find them in any other fantasy books and I think it's really a good point because nowadays 80 percents of fantasy books have similar elements and cliches. But This Fatal Kiss is an unique read with new fantasy elements, storyline and even a unique love interest.
Another good point of this book is its characters. All of them, Main and Side characters are well written and you can relate to them. Their personalities and Relationships between them are likable.
The ending confirmed a second book, so I'm happy that I can read more about this world, Sweet Gesela, Loveable Kazik and Attractive Aleksey.
Can't wait🔥
This Fatal Kiss was one of my best reads of 2024.
It was sweet and enjoyable. I really fell in love with it.
Everything in this book is unique. You can't find them in any other fantasy books and I think it's really a good point because nowadays 80 percents of fantasy books have similar elements and cliches. But This Fatal Kiss is an unique read with new fantasy elements, storyline and even a unique love interest.
Another good point of this book is its characters. All of them, Main and Side characters are well written and you can relate to them. Their personalities and Relationships between them are likable.
The ending confirmed a second book, so I'm happy that I can read more about this world, Sweet Gesela, Loveable Kazik and Attractive Aleksey.
Can't wait🔥
June 5, 2024
Thank to to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I'd round this up to 3.5 - I think someone a bit more into Young Adult would enjoy this more than me. All that to say, it was a fun read. I loved the world building, the characters, and the romance. My main issue fell in the writing, I felt like the author over explained things a bit. It made me feel dumb, like I couldn't understand what she was saying the first time so it had to be repeated again and again. I'd just wish she'd give the reader a bit more credit in understanding plot and world building. This caused me to want to skim through over explanatory or repetitive passages. I thought it was a good read, it didn't blow me away but I definitely would recommend to YA lovers because I had a good time overall.
I'd round this up to 3.5 - I think someone a bit more into Young Adult would enjoy this more than me. All that to say, it was a fun read. I loved the world building, the characters, and the romance. My main issue fell in the writing, I felt like the author over explained things a bit. It made me feel dumb, like I couldn't understand what she was saying the first time so it had to be repeated again and again. I'd just wish she'd give the reader a bit more credit in understanding plot and world building. This caused me to want to skim through over explanatory or repetitive passages. I thought it was a good read, it didn't blow me away but I definitely would recommend to YA lovers because I had a good time overall.
August 29, 2024
3.5/4
I would put this story firmly in the YA camp. The story is part romance/part myth/part coming of age/LGBTQIA. It sounds like a lot to mix up but the story itself is well told and kept my interest throughout.
Gisela is a rusalki (a water nymph) who cannot recall how she became one - water nymphs are the spirits of dead girls who don't or can't move on to the next world. She lives with other water spirits in the Water Goblin's palace. She is desperate to return to her life and thinks she has found a way to become human again - she just needs a human boy to kiss her.
Kazik is the exorcist of Leśna Woda, taking over after his grandmother Kasia's death. He has spent a year tussling with Gisela, trying to get her to stop tormenting the humans of the town.
Aleksey is the boy they both fall in love with. But will he prefer Kazik or Gisela? And what is the secret he is hiding from everyone?
The story follows this love triangle with a difference as both Gisela and Kazik try to catch Aleksey's eye.
I called it a romance but it's not sloppy and covers gender and sexual fluidity very carefully. It is a well thought out story but there's humour and drama too.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes myth based books or anyone who enjoys a non-soppy romance.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Holiday House for the advance review copy.
I would put this story firmly in the YA camp. The story is part romance/part myth/part coming of age/LGBTQIA. It sounds like a lot to mix up but the story itself is well told and kept my interest throughout.
Gisela is a rusalki (a water nymph) who cannot recall how she became one - water nymphs are the spirits of dead girls who don't or can't move on to the next world. She lives with other water spirits in the Water Goblin's palace. She is desperate to return to her life and thinks she has found a way to become human again - she just needs a human boy to kiss her.
Kazik is the exorcist of Leśna Woda, taking over after his grandmother Kasia's death. He has spent a year tussling with Gisela, trying to get her to stop tormenting the humans of the town.
Aleksey is the boy they both fall in love with. But will he prefer Kazik or Gisela? And what is the secret he is hiding from everyone?
The story follows this love triangle with a difference as both Gisela and Kazik try to catch Aleksey's eye.
I called it a romance but it's not sloppy and covers gender and sexual fluidity very carefully. It is a well thought out story but there's humour and drama too.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes myth based books or anyone who enjoys a non-soppy romance.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Holiday House for the advance review copy.
June 10, 2024
I'm such a sucker for fairy tales and this hit all the right spots for me!
The romance was a little predictable but enjoyably so. I could tell who was paired off with each other but I enjoyed watching them slowly fall for each other. (p.s. there's an enemy to lovers trope that is delectable!!) As this is targeted for YA audiences, the romance doesn't get any more heated than a kiss, which feels appropriate story-wise too.
The writing was great and I have no complaints. The pacing felt a little slow at first, but my interest increased immensely as I got further in. Each of the characters were interesting to learn about and I really liked them by the end. The ending was so good, I hope this author writes a sequel! According to the beginning, it is based on Slavic folklore, which I knew nothing about until I started reading this. The trigger warnings and pronunciation guide were also handy and I appreciated them.
This book was so fun to read! I need to pick up a copy as soon as this comes out!
* Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an advanced copy!
The romance was a little predictable but enjoyably so. I could tell who was paired off with each other but I enjoyed watching them slowly fall for each other. (p.s. there's an enemy to lovers trope that is delectable!!) As this is targeted for YA audiences, the romance doesn't get any more heated than a kiss, which feels appropriate story-wise too.
The writing was great and I have no complaints. The pacing felt a little slow at first, but my interest increased immensely as I got further in. Each of the characters were interesting to learn about and I really liked them by the end. The ending was so good, I hope this author writes a sequel! According to the beginning, it is based on Slavic folklore, which I knew nothing about until I started reading this. The trigger warnings and pronunciation guide were also handy and I appreciated them.
This book was so fun to read! I need to pick up a copy as soon as this comes out!
* Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an advanced copy!
September 11, 2024
This isn’t a standalone!?
I need the synopsis of every book to tell me whether or not it’s part of a series because I thought this was a standalone. I thought I would get a true ending here. I did not.
All that aside, I enjoyed this book. It was fun and whimsical, and I loved our precious trio. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast: the water goblin, all of Gisela’s ‘sisters’, Kazik’s cousin.
This book was essentially sunshine x grumpy x sunshine. Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey are perfect together. I was waiting for all of them to realize how good they were together. Since this is not a standalone, I hope we get more development for all of them individually and as a trouple. The way this book ended, I'm sensing angst and potential trouble in paradise.
Since the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger/open ending, I’m eager to see if/when they announce the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House/Peachtree for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I need the synopsis of every book to tell me whether or not it’s part of a series because I thought this was a standalone. I thought I would get a true ending here. I did not.
All that aside, I enjoyed this book. It was fun and whimsical, and I loved our precious trio. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast: the water goblin, all of Gisela’s ‘sisters’, Kazik’s cousin.
This book was essentially sunshine x grumpy x sunshine. Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey are perfect together. I was waiting for all of them to realize how good they were together. Since this is not a standalone, I hope we get more development for all of them individually and as a trouple. The way this book ended, I'm sensing angst and potential trouble in paradise.
Since the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger/open ending, I’m eager to see if/when they announce the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House/Peachtree for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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