Love and Other Curses

The Wycherleys #2

by Annaliese Avery

Fall head over broomstick in love with this swoon-worthy, witchy romantic fantasy sequel, perfect for fans of Twin Crowns , Divine Rivals and Stephanie Garber.

For the Kingdom. For the magic. And for love . . .

Aurelia Wycherley has found someone to tether her magic to – her enigmatic former enemy, Jules Nightly. Now, they are heading off to coven college to learn advanced magic. But they are also on a secret to discover the Lost Quarter of the college, create their own coven of twelve and try to discover a way to bring back the Old Magic. 

When malevolent magic interrupts their first night at college, Aurelia and Jules discover that Jonathan and his coven of untethered witches has escaped and now they are after her magic, curse and all… 

Can they save the magic and the world - or will Aurelia lose her magic for good?

Prepare for balls, late-night study groups, hidden mysteries, a heist, the return of old foes, and a lot more kissing!
 

Praise for The Wycherleys

‘From the first perfect line, The Wycherleys had me hooked. It’s the perfect swoon-worthy fantasy-romance featuring everything I wonderfully drawn characters to fall and root for, an alternate history with ballgowns and broomsticks, curses, magic with a clever twist, and a world I’d love to visit.’ Dominique Valente, author of the Starfell series

'A fun, tense, enemies-to-lovers romance with magic and plenty of secrets. Nothing is as it seems. It had me gripped from the first page.' Zeena Gosrani, author of This Dark Heart
'I am utterly captivated by this addictive and swoony fantasy romance! Aurelia is brave, bold and wears her curse proudly. Jules is Mr Darcy for a new generation. They set the standard for courtship. If you're not committing felonies together, is it love?' Rosie Talbot, author of Sixteen Souls

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Annaliese Avery is a former library manager and children's book editor who lives in Suffolk, England. She has an MA in creative writing and a life long interest in physics and astronomy and in 2017 she founded an astronomical society.

Her MG debut, The Nightsilver Promise, is published by Scholastic UK in May 2020 and Scholastic US in November 2021. The Nightsilver Promise is the first book in the epic Celestial Mechanism Cycle.

Twitter: @AnnalieseAvery
Instagram: @AnnalieseAvery

Reviews

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the best time with The Wycherleys and was so excited to continue the series but unfortunately, although enjoyable enough, this didn't hit quite the same way. I found it to be somewhat of a slog to get through at times and while it picked up in the last 20% or so, my heart wasn't fully in it by that point. There were also a few editing mistakes and iffy sentence structures which pulled me out of the story. That said, it was entertaining and a fun concept, I just don't think it was as polished as book one.

[Magdalena (magdal21) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun continuation of the series, which I’d recommend especially to anyone who’s missing that Harry Potter kind of vibe. The magic system is cool, the world is simple yet effective, and the characters are very easy to like. In this installment, the stakes stay just as high, and while the middle felt a bit uneven in terms of pacing (which may have been due to my listening to it as an audiobook tbh), it never stopped being engaging. Overall, it’s a very fast, enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

[Becca ♡ PrettyLittleMemoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5*

I was so excited to jump back into the world of the Wycherleys after finishing (and adoring) the first book last year. It feels like time has flown by since I last dipped into the world and yet also like it was just yesterday that the enemies turned to lovers and good defeated evil. More so, I was desperate to find out what Aurelia Wycherley and Jules Nightly’s future might look like. Newly back from the Grand Magical Tour promised to every Wycherley witch the summer before college, spanning across Europe with her brother Vaughn, Aurelia is eager to start Coven College alongside him, her new love Jules, and best friend Constance—but nothing is quite smooth sailing in the realm of magic.

As well as new students to Coven College, under the same pressures as others to fit into their projected Coven, the four of them also harbour a secret: they are going to create their own coven and discover a way to bring back old magic, something that was touched upon in the first book that ties into Aurelia’s cursed magic and the familiar history between Jules and Aurelia’s family. But old enemies don’t stay down for long, and when dark magic returns to their lives, Aurelia, Jules, Vaughn and Constance are thrown back into the mayhem. There’s a dangerous coven of witches that are after Aurelia‘s cursed power, a magic so powerful and impressive that it frightens even the most seasoned of witches. We steadfastly journey through new discoveries of just how great and thorny Aurelia’s magic truly is becoming, but at what price will this come to the people around her and to Jules, tethered to that great magic?

Annaliese is skilled at wholly pulling the reader into the mystifying world of witches, fantastical magic and a passionate romance to make you swoon (and impossible to not root for.) The connection between Aurelia and Jules withstands even when they are apart and it’s evident there’s not much either will not do to protect the other when new trials, heists and treacherous depths re-enter and shake-up their lives. This series is everything that teenage me and adult me looks for in a witchy romance, bearing deep connections between characters, a captivating storyline and something utterly magical that the book feels as though it’s sparkling from the inside out. I’m so excited to continue into this series—September can’t come soon enough for book three, because what an ending that was! If you haven’t stepped into the world of the Wycherleys, you’re greatly missing out. This was another romantic, heart racing novel from Annaliese that I can’t recommend enough.

[Tasha Cutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I really struggled with the first half of the book, however it definitely made up for it with the remaining half! I loved all the action, especially the ending! Some elements of the story also gave me vibes from another of my favourite series (ZA) and I’m the type of reader that really likes when that happens! I loved it! I definitely need the third book like NOW! 💔

[Stefy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star of 2026!!!

Thank you so much to Nina, Annaliese and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to review The Wycherleys Love and Other Curses.

I was so happy to be back in the Ton with Aurelia and Jules. I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 so when I received Book 2 I literally screamed with joy.

We are back with our favourite duo and this time we are attending Neoards College to carry out the immense task they were given at the end of Book 1.

It was so easy to settle back into this world and I loved that there were snippets here and there that jogged my memory for what happened in Book 1.

We are introduced to a new trope, found family, which is my favourite trope and the way this played out was so wonderful and warming. I wish I could attend, be magical and find my own Coven.

I am definitely invested in all the characters, they all have a uniqueness to them that blends perfectly with the coven that Aurelia and Jules are trying to establish.

The romance is like a burning love. It makes me think of Daphne when she tells Simon that she burns for him. Aurelia and Jules love is timeless and all consuming. They make me smile every time they have banter or express their love.

Sorry if this is a weird review but I don’t want to spoil too much if you haven’t read book 1. Which you really need to go and do, now! I also have a review for that on the grid.

I’m so excited to be attending an event soon and meet Analiese and Nina and maybe discuss Book 3 - because I need it! Now!! Please 😇😁😘

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my review. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to get back into the world of the Wycherleys! After tethering in the first book, Aurelia and Jules are now on a secret mission: to discover the Lost Quarter of the college, create their own coven of twelve and try to discover a way to bring back the Old Magic. 

The blurb said to prepare for balls, late‑night study groups, hidden mysteries, a heist, the return of old foes, and a lot more kissing! And oh my god was there a lot of kissing! I enjoyed this though because it makes it a true YA novel which means it is suitable for my school library.

I love stories like this, with a magical academic setting. I find them to be easy reads and I always find myself invested in the characters. I also loved the Bridgerton vibes, Aurelia and Jules remind me of Daphne and Simon and Vaughn gives Anthony vibes definitely! I love how Aurelia and Jules’ relationship develops and how they are obsessed with each other.

I’ve just found out a third book is coming later this year, which I am glad about as the story ends on a hit of a cliffhanger. I am hoping the cover of this one is red!!! I would recommend this to students are my school!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my review.

[Rhiannon Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I enjoyed this but preferred the first one, though it's a close call. The first one hooked me immediately though, whereas this one took me a while to get into.

One thing I noticed were the typos in this- I spotted 3 but there could have been more. Also, some odd sentence structures. Irritating, but not detrimental. Just things that should have been picked up before it was published!

The ending of this book was much stronger than the first, and I really enjoyed the new coven plotline. That cliffhanger too?! Excited for book 3!

[Dreximgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Carina Lyngroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book three like yesterday. MY HEART

[Florina Netcu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the beginning was boring and not very exciting! The end was very good. I think the author wanted to make more money and slacking on the story. Unfortunately couldn’t give it more than 3 stars. Looking forward for the 3rd book and I really hope she won’t disappoint me again!

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the publisher as part of preparing for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.

LOVE AND OTHER CURSES is a great return to this regency-esque world of magic. There are balls and spells and plenty of swoony moments between Aurelia and Jules.

Rather than a tale about falling in love, this book focuses on an established relationship dealing with the various pressures trying to save the world puts on them. I did like that there wasn't any big make-or-break moments and instead the romance plot line was more about support and working through the strain of expectations (and a few secrets that caused the biggest wobble.)

Aurelia and Jules have to form their own coven in this book, guided partly by magic. Some of the faces in their coven are familiar (Constance would have hexed them if she wasn't involved!) while others are new. I really liked the balance of new and old characters. We get to see a new side to Vaughn and Aurelia's relationship now the pressures of being debutantes is off them (and Vaughn has learnt that he doesn't need to shield Aurelia quite so much!) The new cast members also offer new dynamics with their own interests and quirks for the core cast to play off.

We get to learn a little more about the history behind magic being in the state it's currently in, enough hints to understand the shape (but not exact substance) of what the issue is. I am personally looking forward to the big reveal in a future instalment of what exactly the magical issue is. The information has been very carefully controlled to create that sense of progress in understanding while keeping the key bits back for a big reveal (and it certainly feels like it is going to be a big reveal!)

There is another book coming in this series, and it's due in September - I'm so excited that this series is getting an accelerated release schedule. Less time waiting to find out what happens next!

[Kirsten Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored ‘The Wycherleys’, it was one of those books that caught my eye in Waterstones, and it absolutely called to me. It was like Bridgerton meets Sabrina the Teenage Witch, it was charming and enchanting and utterly heartwarming. You just felt good reading it. So I was super excited for book two, and the story itself didn’t disappoint. This book gave me all the charm and romance and whimsy I adored in the first book, but with an even more adventurous storyline that flowed well and drew you in.

The only issue I had with this book was the editing. There were a couple of typos and errors that my eye snagged on and it took me out of the story for a moment, and the word ‘widdershins’. ‘Widdershins’ was used SO many times, in fact almost every single time somebody went near a door with a key, the word ‘widdershins’ was used, and because it’s not a very commonplace word, it was super noticeable, and by the end felt a little like I was playing a drinking game. I feel like it just needed an editor to do a final proof read and those little moments that took me out of the book would’ve been caught and fixed.

I still loved it, this series just gives you the best vibes, the romance has you giggling and kicking your feet, instead of found-family, it’s finding your coven! And there were some little twists and secrets that popped up that I was not expecting and left me absolutely desperate for the next book! 

[Melissa Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful sequel from Annaliese Avery!
I love how the plot of this book is a mix of YA Bridgerton and Harry Potter. Its got balls and courting and promenading mixed with spells and runes and magic. Love it!
The characters of this book are all so strong. From Aurelia and Jules' love and connection, to the found family of the coven, to the sinisterness of the villain. Everyone is written so well.
I love Aurelia and Jules' relationship! They are so absolutely adorable and the romance in this book was upped so much more than book 1. Their tension and banter is delicious and the love they have for each other is so pure!
I love how our FMC Aurelia is so unbelievably loyal. Not just to Jules but to her friends (her coven), her family and herself. She just wants to do whats right for the kingdom and for the magic.
There were a slight few issues. Firstly there were a lot of mistakes. I noticed a few gramatical errors and a major one was it jumped from chapter 17 to 19. There was nothing missing from the book but that is a major oversight. I also think some of the language used isn't in keeping with the time period. The phrase "made out" is used and that absolutely wouldn't have been used in Regency England.
All in all a really good sequel and I'm very much looking forward to book 3.

[CallyMia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The Wycherleys was an unexpected read for me last year when I picked it up, and was surprised to find I really enjoyed it! So when I saw there was a sequel I just had to pick it up.

We follow on from the events of book 1, with Jules and Aurelia now tethered together whilst they start their journey at the coven college, where we see them learn to master their skills and their magic. Alongside this, they are creating their own coven and trying to find the Lost Quarter in the college. Not only this, but Jonathon and the untether witches are after Aurelia and her magic. So there is plenty going on plot wise to keep you entertained!
I love the characters, Aurelia and Jules are cute, I like Constance and Vaughn.
What I like most about this series is the books are just such fun, easy, enjoyable reads. I like the academic setting, we even have broomstick riding, Constance threatening to hex people and so forth.
I did enjoy this one slightly more than book 1, but it’s always great when the sequel is even better!
I read this in one afternoon because i enjoyed it so much and I would recommend this series and i look forward book 3 coming later this year!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Ombline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars
Ok this was not nearly as good as the first book. All the cosy and whimsy of the first felt hollow to me this time. Instead it felt really cringy instead of sweet and heartfelt .

I don’t know, I loved this world the first time around and it just did not hit in this one at all. There was a huge disconnect between me and the characters and their world.

And it was SO cheesy !! The first does well to brush that line with softness and romance instead but this was full on cringe and I’m so disappointed!

I will say it got better towards the end and the cliffhanger is great so I will need to read the next one.
I knew the whole time that there had to be something he kept from her as she did from him but I was not expecting that at all. It alarmist seems redundant??? Dare I say it’s lazy…? I don’t know if lazy is the right term but the whole point of the first book and the ending of it especially is that tethering means she can use her magic without hurting anyone so why do this ??? Ugh I don’t know but I want them to sort it out and for everyone to keep their magic I mean come on !! It’s too lazy and too done otherwise and the first was so so good and thought out and romantic and angst-y so what and whY??!

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year, I fell in love with The Wycherley, the first book in a YA series set in a Regency world filled with magic, and I am super excited to return to this world and its wonderful cast of characters.

Love and Other Curses starts a bit after the events of the first book. Aurelia and her brother Vaughn are back in England after a few months of Grand Tour in Europe and they are heading to college, but studying won’t be their top priority. Aurelia and Jules reunite after a few months apart and their love is stronger than ever, even if there are secrets kept hidden. They form a new coven with new and old friends as they try to find the Old Magic. Old enemies resurface, new dangers are near, and we discover more about the magic. There is also romance, adventures, and lots of balls and spells.

Like the first book in the series, Love and Other Curses was a fantastic and addictive read from start to finish. The plot is intriguing, well-developed, and with quite a few moments of suspense. The romance between Aurelia and Jules is swoony and adorable and I also enjoyed reading more about the relationship between Aurelia’s brother, Vaughan, and her feisty best friend, Constance, who may be my favourite character. Love and Other Curses ends with a shocking revelation that makes me happy that we won’t be waiting long for the third novel (out in September).

The Wycherleys is a well-written, captivating, and charming series full of magic, romance, and incredible adventures and I read Love and Other Curses in a few days, turning page after page.

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to NetGalley and Simon YA for the chance to read this arc.
The Wycherleys quickly became one of my favourite reads and I’ve been anxiously waiting to find out what’s next for Aurelia and Jules!
This book has even more adventure, magic, and danger. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed!
It had me on the edge of my seat so many times. I gasped, I was kicking my feet, and I cried in public.
Aurelia’s secrets add an air of suspense, I was constantly waiting for the consequences.
I really loved seeing the connections between the witches we already know, and of course the new characters, grow.
The ending left me with so many questions. A lot of things were answered in this book but even more questions were raised and I love that. It kept me guessing throughout.
That epilogue shocked me, I need to know more. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book of The Wycherleys and this one cimented my love for the magic system of this story, the main characters Aurelia and Jules' (which we could see more of their bond on this book) and the politics of the story as well.
The plot increased from the first one to this one. A lot of characters were added, a lot of good ones who made part of the Aurelia's new imoroved group of friends and also bad ones to add up to the worm Sebastian. I also really love the season and the names they give to each of them and on this book they even added a coven to each one and a specific color to use. I think that was real great and unique.
As for the battle closer to the end, I felt for Kit. I think he deserved better. And now I'm worried for Jules and for what Aurelia might do. Can't wait for the next one.
4.25 stars.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.

We pick up book 2 after the sheer chaos book 1 leaves us with knowing there’s a coven of sorts out there working against the way of things trying to take it all for themselves. Our favourite duo are back at the heart of the story trying to unravel what’s next for their tether and what’s coming for their coven, family and friends next.

As we get into the story we get snippets from the past revealing more about the curse and our duo’s particular situation. Things are getting more tense with the enemy loose and working against them, the story develops with artefacts, secrets and further hidden motives.

I have really enjoyed being back in this world and the ending has me locked in for book 3.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has fast become one of my favourite witchy series and once again, I am left needing the next book in my hands immediately.

Bridgerton vibes, great pacing, an interesting magic system, good mysteries to solve and characters I love. It has everything you need to keep you hooked and turning pages.

The stakes are definitely higher in this book than the last, and it ends with them higher still. However, you still get the character development and relationships of the first book.

This series is honestly so much fun and I can see myself re-reading the first two books in anticipation of the third because they're great.

[Jenny’s Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I didn’t think book 1 could be topped but I would say that I absolutely loved the second book as much if not more!

The adventures of Aurelia and Jules continue in this second book in The Wycherleys series, more chaos, more magic and more beautiful gowns.

If you want to read a witchy fantasy full of action but at the right pace, this will hit the mark! I feel like we got the right combination of slow paced moments with action packed scenes!

I can’t wait to read the 3rd book later in the year!

[Jessica Juby | jesshidesinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love the story, what on earth has happened to editing?

I feel the publisher has done this book a disservice because there were so many typos - it felt like the publishing process hadn't been received the care and attention it needed. There were at least 12 obvious typos and grammatical errors. Such a shame because it makes for a jarring reading experience when it wrenches you from the narrative.

[Emma White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. As good as the first. looking forward to the third.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆

[Gemma Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it.

[Danny Kearl]

DNF at 50% - it’s not hooking me the same way as book 1

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but not quite as good as the first. Still, there is plenty going on; this is definitely not a second book where everyone wanders around in circles for 400 pages.

[Jessica Bannister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the world created so will continue the series. Writing feels a bit cringey at times, but overall a cosy easy read (read in three-four days).

[Bethany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Version I Read: Paperback.

An intensely beautiful sequel to The Wycherleys! 🪄

[Briony2181 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, glad not long to wait till the third book!