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A Moth to the Flame
They’ve always been drawn to each other. For better or worse.
After a decade of not-so-blissful escape, thirty-year-old Cordelia McCoy returns to her small Appalachian hometown to bury her only family. She expects the townsfolk’s typical indifference toward her. What she doesn’t expect is Duke Castellaw—the only person who’s ever given her the time of day. He hasn’t outgrown his obsession with tormenting her.
When he finally pushes her too far, Cordelia does something she’s never done before. She fights back. Egging his precious truck only adds fuel to his fire, so she makes a wish at the storied town well. That Duke would no longer exist.
The next morning, she wakes up in his unfairly hot body. And he’s in hers.
Walking a mile in each other’s shoes shows them that everything they’ve ever believed about each other has all been a strange lie. But there are far more sinister stains on the town of Utopia. Mothman isn’t just a legend. Witches are real. Cat clocks come alive. As Cordelia and Duke uncover an entirely hidden world that they never imagined, the fine line between love and hate blurs.
The truth about who they really are might change everything. Or it might force them apart in more ways than one.
After a decade of not-so-blissful escape, thirty-year-old Cordelia McCoy returns to her small Appalachian hometown to bury her only family. She expects the townsfolk’s typical indifference toward her. What she doesn’t expect is Duke Castellaw—the only person who’s ever given her the time of day. He hasn’t outgrown his obsession with tormenting her.
When he finally pushes her too far, Cordelia does something she’s never done before. She fights back. Egging his precious truck only adds fuel to his fire, so she makes a wish at the storied town well. That Duke would no longer exist.
The next morning, she wakes up in his unfairly hot body. And he’s in hers.
Walking a mile in each other’s shoes shows them that everything they’ve ever believed about each other has all been a strange lie. But there are far more sinister stains on the town of Utopia. Mothman isn’t just a legend. Witches are real. Cat clocks come alive. As Cordelia and Duke uncover an entirely hidden world that they never imagined, the fine line between love and hate blurs.
The truth about who they really are might change everything. Or it might force them apart in more ways than one.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
12 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Kata Čuić
21 books472 followersKata Čuić lives in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and writes romance stories with a dash of humor, a dollop of spice, and a heaping helping of heart. With a background in Linguistics and a minor in Religious Studies, her writing style marries lit fic with delicious tropes. He falls first and harder, anyone?
From angst-filled new adult series to standalone rom-coms, and even a touch of paranormal, Kata's diverse storytelling offers something for every romance reader palate. Because she gets bored writing the same things all the time, okay?
When she's not writing, Kata emotionally eats to cope with the endless news cycle, binge reads series because sleep is for the weak, and probably drinks too much whiskey.
Subscribe to Kata's newsletter for a free second-chance, HS reunion novella ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/katacui...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 28, 2025
Solid 4.5 stars. I applied for this ARC from the author after my friend told me the characters switch bodies and they have some intimate interactions. I thought to myself, that’s new. Also, there is a potential Mothman appearance? Why not? Guys, the story was way more than that. It’s not a freaky monster book.
I cannot even begin to describe this book. It starts off as contemporary romance that becomes magical as the main characters body swap due to a wish. Then it becomes fantasy with magical creatures and spells and a whole lore that goes deep. The story is set in the Appalachian mountains in a tiny town in West Virginia. (An area I have zero clue about) The setting gives off horror story vibes with its small town of hostile people and their secrets.
I need you to know that I wasn’t a fan of Duke our mmc in the beginning but this is all purposeful by the author. She wrote a wild story that had a lot of moving parts. We switch between the POV of Duke and Cordelia as they interact with each other after her grandmother’s death. They hate each other and after body swapping they are forced to work together to figure out a way back. The book requires your full focus. I had to get my brain together to track the scene. For example, did Duke raise his arm in Cordelia’s body or did Cordelia raise it in Duke’s? My brain caught up after a bit and it wasn’t too bad. I could not stop reading as there were a lot of twists and information is portioned out in small bites.
I swear there were a few scenes that had me wondering what was happening as the narrator was just as limited in their knowledge as I was in that moment. Like I said, you will need a full brain capacity.
The book was also very spicy. Imagine being in a man’s body during intimacy. Or vice versa. This is the wonder that awaits you in this book. The book also ends in a crazy cliffhanger.
I never read a book like this and I need the sequel.
I cannot even begin to describe this book. It starts off as contemporary romance that becomes magical as the main characters body swap due to a wish. Then it becomes fantasy with magical creatures and spells and a whole lore that goes deep. The story is set in the Appalachian mountains in a tiny town in West Virginia. (An area I have zero clue about) The setting gives off horror story vibes with its small town of hostile people and their secrets.
I need you to know that I wasn’t a fan of Duke our mmc in the beginning but this is all purposeful by the author. She wrote a wild story that had a lot of moving parts. We switch between the POV of Duke and Cordelia as they interact with each other after her grandmother’s death. They hate each other and after body swapping they are forced to work together to figure out a way back. The book requires your full focus. I had to get my brain together to track the scene. For example, did Duke raise his arm in Cordelia’s body or did Cordelia raise it in Duke’s? My brain caught up after a bit and it wasn’t too bad. I could not stop reading as there were a lot of twists and information is portioned out in small bites.
I swear there were a few scenes that had me wondering what was happening as the narrator was just as limited in their knowledge as I was in that moment. Like I said, you will need a full brain capacity.
The book was also very spicy. Imagine being in a man’s body during intimacy. Or vice versa. This is the wonder that awaits you in this book. The book also ends in a crazy cliffhanger.
I never read a book like this and I need the sequel.
November 25, 2025
I am still processing this book, tbh, since it was such a wild ride. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Why choose" but it's among tropes and plot points instead of which partner to fuck" - my friend P., who I talked to about this often while reading.
This book has everything and the kitchen sink and yet, the writing is great, the characters are deeply developed, and I'm so sad the second book isn't out yet, let alone the first one.
- enemies to lovers
- dual POV
- witches
- fae (who are also vampires? who are also monsters?)
- lore/legend
- small town antics
- touch her and die
- body swapping (never read this in a book before)
- open door spice/smut
I will say that the body swap can be confusing since they talk about themselves separate from their body but I think the author never confuses it and so that helps the reader keep it straight.
Because of the shenanigans happening in the town, the narrators are a bit unreliable and since you (the reader) don't learn certain things until they do, I felt like my brain was just on hold, trying to keep track of all the things, and being confused until different things were revealed later in the story.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and I wish the second one was ready because I am amped up and invested in what happens next.
"Why choose" but it's among tropes and plot points instead of which partner to fuck" - my friend P., who I talked to about this often while reading.
This book has everything and the kitchen sink and yet, the writing is great, the characters are deeply developed, and I'm so sad the second book isn't out yet, let alone the first one.
- enemies to lovers
- dual POV
- witches
- fae (who are also vampires? who are also monsters?)
- lore/legend
- small town antics
- touch her and die
- body swapping (never read this in a book before)
- open door spice/smut
I will say that the body swap can be confusing since they talk about themselves separate from their body but I think the author never confuses it and so that helps the reader keep it straight.
Because of the shenanigans happening in the town, the narrators are a bit unreliable and since you (the reader) don't learn certain things until they do, I felt like my brain was just on hold, trying to keep track of all the things, and being confused until different things were revealed later in the story.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and I wish the second one was ready because I am amped up and invested in what happens next.
August 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book 1 of the Utopia Series
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F Paranormal Romance
⺁ Cliffhanger
So, while this book did start off slow for me, and at some times could be a little confusing due to the "Freaky Friday" body swapping, it was a super interesting book and I am eagerly awaiting book #2 cause who would not with that cliffhanger!!!
Cordelia and Duke have been through the ringer in this book and it was literally only a month that they were in each others bodies....and not like you are thinking. The main characters pull a Freaky Friday [if you dont get that reference then I am sorry im old but its legit the best describer 😂] due to Cordi making a wish in a magical well. its sometimes confusing being in the head of the character but they are describing what their body is doing that they no longer inhabit. If you can push past that, then you will be rewarded with a really interesting mating bond and story.
Ive not really heard too much about the mothman lore, so that in itself kept me intrigued, adding in a familiar, witches with an evil coven and ulterior motives, and fae lore and you have the ingredients for a really interesting twisty mystery. Im invested to see what Cordi and Duke have in store for their futures, as well as getting to the bottom of their ancestry that makes them a hot commodity.
Tropes:
🖤 Body Swapping
🪄 Witch x Fae
🖤 Appalachian Folklore x Small Town
🪄 Mystery
🖤 Slow Burn
🪄 Fated Mates
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🪄 Forced Proximity
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book 1 of the Utopia Series
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F Paranormal Romance
⺁ Cliffhanger
So, while this book did start off slow for me, and at some times could be a little confusing due to the "Freaky Friday" body swapping, it was a super interesting book and I am eagerly awaiting book #2 cause who would not with that cliffhanger!!!
Cordelia and Duke have been through the ringer in this book and it was literally only a month that they were in each others bodies....and not like you are thinking. The main characters pull a Freaky Friday [if you dont get that reference then I am sorry im old but its legit the best describer 😂] due to Cordi making a wish in a magical well. its sometimes confusing being in the head of the character but they are describing what their body is doing that they no longer inhabit. If you can push past that, then you will be rewarded with a really interesting mating bond and story.
Ive not really heard too much about the mothman lore, so that in itself kept me intrigued, adding in a familiar, witches with an evil coven and ulterior motives, and fae lore and you have the ingredients for a really interesting twisty mystery. Im invested to see what Cordi and Duke have in store for their futures, as well as getting to the bottom of their ancestry that makes them a hot commodity.
Tropes:
🖤 Body Swapping
🪄 Witch x Fae
🖤 Appalachian Folklore x Small Town
🪄 Mystery
🖤 Slow Burn
🪄 Fated Mates
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🪄 Forced Proximity
August 25, 2025
Cordelia is home for her Granny's funeral, and she runs into Duke - the guy who was so mean to her growing up that she absolutely hates him. She makes a wish at the Wishing Well in town, and the next morning she wakes up in his body and he's in hers. While trying to figure out what happened and how to undo it, they stumble into a world that Cordelia has only read about.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I love the magical elements and have to figure out what's going on. I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I love the magical elements and have to figure out what's going on. I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
Review: A Moth to the Flame
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magical Realism
Setting: Small-town Appalachia, West Virginia
A Moth to the Flame is a wildly inventive, genre-defying novel that blends contemporary romance, body-swap hijinks, magical realism, and emotional depth into one unforgettable reading experience. What begins as a seemingly light enemies-to-lovers setup quickly unravels into something much deeper, and stranger, when a wish causes the two main characters to literally swap bodies. From there, the story morphs into a layered fantasy filled with spells, magical creatures, and a rich, unsettling mythology.
The novel is set in a remote Appalachian town in West Virginia, a place that exudes eerie, horror-adjacent vibes. The setting plays a major role in the story’s tension—its hostile residents, tightly kept secrets, and uncanny atmosphere give the book a sense of creeping dread. Even for readers unfamiliar with the region, the writing makes the setting feel immersive and vividly alive.
Cordelia and Duke, the central characters, are chaotic, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining. Their dynamic, acerbic, emotionally raw, and often hilarious, makes their forced proximity and body-swap situation even more compelling. Watching them navigate each other’s lives while confronting their own personal baggage creates a unique blend of humor and vulnerability. Despite the body-swapping mechanic occasionally being confusing, the author handles it with consistent clarity, helping the reader stay grounded.
The narrative leans into unreliable perspectives, which works well with the town’s many mysteries and magical elements. As the characters uncover hidden truths, so too does the reader, resulting in a twisty, often disorienting ride that’s as satisfying as it is strange. The world of Utopia is richly developed and surreal, filled with sentient objects, whispered legends, and questions about what’s real.
The prose is sharp and evocative, with witty banter and emotionally resonant moments woven seamlessly throughout. Even as the plot barrels forward, the emotional undercurrents—grief, longing, hope—are never lost. The story strikes a delicate balance between chaos and heart.
One word of caution: the book ends on a major cliffhanger. If you're someone who likes resolution, be prepared. That said, the ride is absolutely worth it, and I’ll be first in line when the sequel releases.
Final Verdict:
A Moth to the Flame is a bold, atmospheric, and emotionally rich story that pushes genre boundaries in all the right ways. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and full of magical surprises, it’s a must-add to your TBR, especially for fans of dark whimsy and emotionally driven fantasy.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magical Realism
Setting: Small-town Appalachia, West Virginia
A Moth to the Flame is a wildly inventive, genre-defying novel that blends contemporary romance, body-swap hijinks, magical realism, and emotional depth into one unforgettable reading experience. What begins as a seemingly light enemies-to-lovers setup quickly unravels into something much deeper, and stranger, when a wish causes the two main characters to literally swap bodies. From there, the story morphs into a layered fantasy filled with spells, magical creatures, and a rich, unsettling mythology.
The novel is set in a remote Appalachian town in West Virginia, a place that exudes eerie, horror-adjacent vibes. The setting plays a major role in the story’s tension—its hostile residents, tightly kept secrets, and uncanny atmosphere give the book a sense of creeping dread. Even for readers unfamiliar with the region, the writing makes the setting feel immersive and vividly alive.
Cordelia and Duke, the central characters, are chaotic, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining. Their dynamic, acerbic, emotionally raw, and often hilarious, makes their forced proximity and body-swap situation even more compelling. Watching them navigate each other’s lives while confronting their own personal baggage creates a unique blend of humor and vulnerability. Despite the body-swapping mechanic occasionally being confusing, the author handles it with consistent clarity, helping the reader stay grounded.
The narrative leans into unreliable perspectives, which works well with the town’s many mysteries and magical elements. As the characters uncover hidden truths, so too does the reader, resulting in a twisty, often disorienting ride that’s as satisfying as it is strange. The world of Utopia is richly developed and surreal, filled with sentient objects, whispered legends, and questions about what’s real.
The prose is sharp and evocative, with witty banter and emotionally resonant moments woven seamlessly throughout. Even as the plot barrels forward, the emotional undercurrents—grief, longing, hope—are never lost. The story strikes a delicate balance between chaos and heart.
One word of caution: the book ends on a major cliffhanger. If you're someone who likes resolution, be prepared. That said, the ride is absolutely worth it, and I’ll be first in line when the sequel releases.
Final Verdict:
A Moth to the Flame is a bold, atmospheric, and emotionally rich story that pushes genre boundaries in all the right ways. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and full of magical surprises, it’s a must-add to your TBR, especially for fans of dark whimsy and emotionally driven fantasy.
July 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Huge thank you to Kata and their team for providing me with an advanced copy of A Moth to the Flame. All opinions are my own!
“That’s why I’ve always been drawn to her. Like a moth to the flame. And I hated her for it. I blamed her for what was wrong with me.”
Holy rollercoaster.. I just finished it and I’m just reeling!! There was so much to unpack in this book and I still have so many questions 🥲
Cordelia, the town outcast, returns to her small hometown to bury her Grandmother and sell the homestead so she can return to her life as an accountant in Charleston. She expects to be ignored, which has been the norm her entire life, but she also continues to be torment by the man she’s hated for as long as she can remember; Duke, the town “prince.” After the night of her Granny’s wake Cordelia goes to the town well and wishes Duke never existed.. but be careful what you wish for, things might not turn out the way you hoped.. because Cordelia and Duke wake up in each other’s bodies?!
Can these two need to set aside their differences and try to figure out what is happening in their small Appalachian town so they can get back into their own bodies? There are secrets, lore to be uncovered, mysteries to be revealed, and.. love?
I f*cking loved this book. There’s so much mystery and unanswered questions, that it pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading and figure out what the hell is going on! The body swapping was a twist and was a little confusing at times trying to keep up with who was referring to who, as they talk about themselves separate from their body, but it was such a wild ride I didn’t even care! After that cliffhanger ending, I’m so excited for book two!!
For anyone wondering.. they swapped bodies.. do they? 👀 Guess you’ll have to read and find out!! 😈
Huge thank you to Kata and their team for providing me with an advanced copy of A Moth to the Flame. All opinions are my own!
“That’s why I’ve always been drawn to her. Like a moth to the flame. And I hated her for it. I blamed her for what was wrong with me.”
Holy rollercoaster.. I just finished it and I’m just reeling!! There was so much to unpack in this book and I still have so many questions 🥲
Cordelia, the town outcast, returns to her small hometown to bury her Grandmother and sell the homestead so she can return to her life as an accountant in Charleston. She expects to be ignored, which has been the norm her entire life, but she also continues to be torment by the man she’s hated for as long as she can remember; Duke, the town “prince.” After the night of her Granny’s wake Cordelia goes to the town well and wishes Duke never existed.. but be careful what you wish for, things might not turn out the way you hoped.. because Cordelia and Duke wake up in each other’s bodies?!
Can these two need to set aside their differences and try to figure out what is happening in their small Appalachian town so they can get back into their own bodies? There are secrets, lore to be uncovered, mysteries to be revealed, and.. love?
I f*cking loved this book. There’s so much mystery and unanswered questions, that it pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading and figure out what the hell is going on! The body swapping was a twist and was a little confusing at times trying to keep up with who was referring to who, as they talk about themselves separate from their body, but it was such a wild ride I didn’t even care! After that cliffhanger ending, I’m so excited for book two!!
For anyone wondering.. they swapped bodies.. do they? 👀 Guess you’ll have to read and find out!! 😈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
A Moth To The Flame by Kata Cuic, when I read in the summary that Cordelia and her childhood tormentor Duke swhich bodies I was all in. Not only is this book well written it is absolutely so funny with lines like as I licked her lips and I A Moth To The Flame by Kata Cuic, when I read in the summary that Cordelia and her childhood tormentor Duke swhich bodies I was all in. Not only is this book well written it is absolutely so funny with lines like as I licked her lips and I wanted to punch my own the face, it’s faded to be hilarious. After 10 years Cordelia is back in her Appalachian hometown to bury her granny and her last relative but when she makes a wish that Duke was never born and then wakes up in his body the next day as they say hilarity insues and OMG it definitely does. what a great read a fun book and an awesome awesome romance. Definitely signed me up for the next book because I am all in. #booksSprout, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KataCuic, #AMothToTheFlame, wanted to punch my own face, it’s faded to be hilarious. After 10 years Cordelia is back in her Appalachian hometown to bury her granny and her last relative but when she makes a wish that Duke was never born and then wakes up in his body the next day as they say hilarity insues and OMG it definitely does. what a great read a fun book and an awesome awesome romance. Definitely signed me up for the next book because I am all in. #booksSprout, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KataCuic, #AMothToTheFlame,
July 25, 2025
What a wildly inventive, genre-bending gem! A Moth to the Flame is part enemies-to-lovers, part magical chaos, and part emotional unraveling all wrapped in a body-swap scenario that somehow manages to be hilarious, heartbreaking, and spellbinding all at once. Whew! Cordelia and Duke are a total mess but the kind you can’t stop watching. Imagine two people who’ve spent years being the thorn in each other’s side… and then are forced to walk in each other’s skin. Literally. They're chaotic, sharp-tongued, and somehow still completely endearing.
The world of Utopia is as much a character as the people in it: strange and unsettling in the best way... Think sentient clocks, whispered legends, and a town where you’re never quite sure what’s real. The magical realism is dark and weird in the best way, and the mystery keeps unfolding right up until the final pages.
The writing is on point, the banter is witty, and the tension, both romantic and otherwise, made this book impossible to put down. And while the plot moves fast, the emotions are still so beautiful. You feel the ache of old wounds and the slow-burning hope of something new.
Fair warning: this one ends on a cliffhanger. A mean one. But this trip is absolutely worth it, and I’ll be first in line when book two drops! Add this to your TBR Immediately! You won't want to miss it!
The world of Utopia is as much a character as the people in it: strange and unsettling in the best way... Think sentient clocks, whispered legends, and a town where you’re never quite sure what’s real. The magical realism is dark and weird in the best way, and the mystery keeps unfolding right up until the final pages.
The writing is on point, the banter is witty, and the tension, both romantic and otherwise, made this book impossible to put down. And while the plot moves fast, the emotions are still so beautiful. You feel the ache of old wounds and the slow-burning hope of something new.
Fair warning: this one ends on a cliffhanger. A mean one. But this trip is absolutely worth it, and I’ll be first in line when book two drops! Add this to your TBR Immediately! You won't want to miss it!
July 24, 2025
Wow, A Moth to the Flame is the book I didn’t know I need in my life. I have been a fan of Kata Čuić since her Moving the Chains series and now she delivers an amazing new book that is Utopian fantasy - I am all here for it! A Moth to the Flame gives you all the small town drama/laugh out loud moments, Appalachian folklore, paranormal characters, secrets that have been buried very deep until recently, and so much suspense to have you on the edge of your seat. I devoured this book. Cordelia and Duke had grown up around each other, however, their relationship has always been that of enemies. Now, years later Cordelia has returned home and hoping to be in and out of the small town, but fate has different plans for her. Duke is the town playboy and Cordelia’s worst enemy, but the draw he has to her has always been there and made things for him a nightmare. Now Duke and Cordelia have to work together in order to figure out how to fix the mess they are in. Their journey starts to unfold secrets that have been hidden and never meant to surface, which leads to danger and then trying to figure out who they can trust. I loved every moment of this book and cannot believe I have to wait for the next one. It will definitely be worth the wait though!
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed all the complexity and the storyline of this book! It starts off pretty normal: enemies to lovers in a small, Appalachian town. Then, one day they wake up and have swapped bodies and start to uncover all of these secrets and things beneath the surface of their town and friends. All the magic and spookiness in the book was great! I love the Appalachian setting and different folklores included in the story.
Personally, I did find the body swapping to be a little confusing and had a hard time keeping up with it. This was my first time reading a book with this trope and I feel like it is so much easier to grasp in a movie or show vs on paper. However, I do feel like the author still has amazing writing and did a great job at incorporating this trope. Definitely think this is a me problem haha.
This was also my first time reading a book that has like a monster romance type of vibe to it. This wasn’t a huge part of the book or anything, so it does have a lot more plot to it apart from that. However, it’s not really a trope I’m super fond of, so that’s another reason why I gave this book 3 stars. I definitely think people that do like this trope will LOVE this book!
Personally, I did find the body swapping to be a little confusing and had a hard time keeping up with it. This was my first time reading a book with this trope and I feel like it is so much easier to grasp in a movie or show vs on paper. However, I do feel like the author still has amazing writing and did a great job at incorporating this trope. Definitely think this is a me problem haha.
This was also my first time reading a book that has like a monster romance type of vibe to it. This wasn’t a huge part of the book or anything, so it does have a lot more plot to it apart from that. However, it’s not really a trope I’m super fond of, so that’s another reason why I gave this book 3 stars. I definitely think people that do like this trope will LOVE this book!
August 4, 2025
Cordelia returns to Utopia, WV to settle her late granny's affairs. There she re-encounters Duke, the monster who made her like a living hell. In an attempt to deal with him once and for all, Cordie makes a wish that costs more than she bargained for when they both wake up in the other person's body.
After the swap they get a chance to see life from the others' perspective while trying to unravel the weird mysteries of Utopia, it's creatures, and Mothman!!! Can they figure it out before it's too late?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Occasionally, I had to check from whom's perspective I was reading because I got a little twisted in my head with pronouns after they switched bodies. It was harder when they were talking with townspeople from whom they were keeping their swap a secret.
There are lots of fun twists to this story and I was literally laughing out loud many times while reading. This was my first Kata Cuic book but I can't wait to read the next one! You probably will too by time you get to the end... That ending will probably have you questioning WTH too!!!
After the swap they get a chance to see life from the others' perspective while trying to unravel the weird mysteries of Utopia, it's creatures, and Mothman!!! Can they figure it out before it's too late?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Occasionally, I had to check from whom's perspective I was reading because I got a little twisted in my head with pronouns after they switched bodies. It was harder when they were talking with townspeople from whom they were keeping their swap a secret.
There are lots of fun twists to this story and I was literally laughing out loud many times while reading. This was my first Kata Cuic book but I can't wait to read the next one! You probably will too by time you get to the end... That ending will probably have you questioning WTH too!!!
August 4, 2025
This book completely surprised me in the best way. I went in with curiosity and left with a brand-new appreciation for body-swapping romance (seriously… body-swapping spice?? Who knew that could work so well??).
Cordelia and Duke have this electric love-hate energy that hooked me from the start, and their dynamic only deepened once they swapped bodies. What really impressed me was how well the romance and plot were balanced. The emotional growth, the mutual understanding that slowly develops, and the way they’re forced to literally live in each other’s skin? It’s done so cleverly. It got a bit confusing in places—you really have to pay attention—but the payoff is worth it.
Add in creepy small-town secrets, occult vibes, and some mothman lore?? Yes, please. I also loved the touch of Appalachian gothic weirdness—it gives the book an extra layer of atmosphere that sets it apart.
The writing had depth, the spice was on point, and the tension never let up. I'm officially hooked and desperate for the next book.
Cordelia and Duke have this electric love-hate energy that hooked me from the start, and their dynamic only deepened once they swapped bodies. What really impressed me was how well the romance and plot were balanced. The emotional growth, the mutual understanding that slowly develops, and the way they’re forced to literally live in each other’s skin? It’s done so cleverly. It got a bit confusing in places—you really have to pay attention—but the payoff is worth it.
Add in creepy small-town secrets, occult vibes, and some mothman lore?? Yes, please. I also loved the touch of Appalachian gothic weirdness—it gives the book an extra layer of atmosphere that sets it apart.
The writing had depth, the spice was on point, and the tension never let up. I'm officially hooked and desperate for the next book.
December 4, 2025
4.00/5.00 overall rating
1.25/5.00 spice rating
Tropes/Kinks: enemies to lovers, fated mates, mf, oral, dirty talk, blood play
Thoughts:
I went into this thinking it was a standalone and was beyond upset when it left off on a cliffhanger. The second book isn’t out yet and there’s no release date. The plot is complex and interesting enough that I’m definitely going to read the next book.
Body switching isn’t a trope I’ve ever really read. My main problem was how hard it was to keep track of who is doing what in some scenes, especially during one or two of the spicy ones. The twisted part of me wishes the spicy monster scenes weren’t closed doors.
The character arcs between the two main characters was done beautifully. It takes the saying, ‘walk in their shoes’ to a whole new meaning. Looking forward to seeing their relationship grow even more in the next book.
1.25/5.00 spice rating
Tropes/Kinks: enemies to lovers, fated mates, mf, oral, dirty talk, blood play
Thoughts:
I went into this thinking it was a standalone and was beyond upset when it left off on a cliffhanger. The second book isn’t out yet and there’s no release date. The plot is complex and interesting enough that I’m definitely going to read the next book.
Body switching isn’t a trope I’ve ever really read. My main problem was how hard it was to keep track of who is doing what in some scenes, especially during one or two of the spicy ones. The twisted part of me wishes the spicy monster scenes weren’t closed doors.
The character arcs between the two main characters was done beautifully. It takes the saying, ‘walk in their shoes’ to a whole new meaning. Looking forward to seeing their relationship grow even more in the next book.
July 31, 2025
What a ride!! The book was nothing that I expected and I loved that! It has so much to say for itself! Cordelia's arrival back in a town in which she never felt accepted, for her grandmother's funeral and her reunion with Duke, sets in train a series of events that had me so surprised! Body swapping has been a staple of films, but I have never come it in a book...and I loved it! The atmosphere of this book is so strong with the introduction all things unusual, fantastical, unexpected and magical. This town and its inhabitants are definitely on the unearthly side. As I said, what a ride! Cordelia and Duke are both so well realised and the idea of experiencing intimacy in a body of the opposite gender, was so well written!
Overall, a great read and I am looking forward to what is going to happen next! 💖💖💖💖💖
Overall, a great read and I am looking forward to what is going to happen next! 💖💖💖💖💖
July 19, 2025
Cordelia and Duke's story in what is going to be a fantastic start of an incredible new series really surprised me, in. Good way!
Of all the tons of genres to choose from, my avid reader heart was never one for fantasy books. Well, this author completely blew me away in writing this. I've read and loved her sports romances, and when she offered me a chance to read something out of her normal routine, I jumped at the chance.
I quickly found myself submerged into the city of Utopia and its residents.
Cordelia and Duke's story was filled with spine-tingling suspense and shrouded in mystery, attention-grabbing escapades and so much more. I'm eagerly waiting for book two!
Of all the tons of genres to choose from, my avid reader heart was never one for fantasy books. Well, this author completely blew me away in writing this. I've read and loved her sports romances, and when she offered me a chance to read something out of her normal routine, I jumped at the chance.
I quickly found myself submerged into the city of Utopia and its residents.
Cordelia and Duke's story was filled with spine-tingling suspense and shrouded in mystery, attention-grabbing escapades and so much more. I'm eagerly waiting for book two!
August 7, 2025
If the you had me in the first half was a book this would be it.
I will 1000% honest at 50% I didn’t know how much more of the miscommunication and self deprecating and sadness from the FMC I could take. Not me sympathizing with a man? BUT then once we got started we got started!
I read 80% of this book in a single day. Now I have to wait for a sequel to find out what comes next? Amazing.
My only criticism was that it did leave me with sooooo many questions while I was reading the book it just made me a bit I need to know what happens but also maybe that’s a sign of a good book, keeps you wanting more and I might be contradicting myself.
I will 1000% honest at 50% I didn’t know how much more of the miscommunication and self deprecating and sadness from the FMC I could take. Not me sympathizing with a man? BUT then once we got started we got started!
I read 80% of this book in a single day. Now I have to wait for a sequel to find out what comes next? Amazing.
My only criticism was that it did leave me with sooooo many questions while I was reading the book it just made me a bit I need to know what happens but also maybe that’s a sign of a good book, keeps you wanting more and I might be contradicting myself.
July 5, 2025
This is a great start to a series. Some parts feel a little underdeveloped, but the storyline itself is great. I was sucked in and needed to know what happened next. Cordelia’s character is still a little confusing to me, but I’m 100% attached to Duke. The enemy to lovers troupe is present and thriving. Throw in some magic and betrayal, you got me hook line and sinker.
I am hoping the second book develops Cordelia a bit more and explains more of the witch portions of the story line, but over all a solid 4/5 and I definitely recommend the read!
I am hoping the second book develops Cordelia a bit more and explains more of the witch portions of the story line, but over all a solid 4/5 and I definitely recommend the read!
July 22, 2025
I absolutely loved A Moth to the Flame from the first page to the last. It feels like a mix between 13 Going on 30 and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (not the teenage witch version). Such a great combo. The characters were amazing, the plot kept me hooked the whole way through, and the length was just right, not too short, not too long. I devoured over 80% in one day, then sadly had to sleep. And of course, it ended on a cliffhanger 😩 I really don’t want to wait for the next book, I need it NOW!
Thank you Kata and the BookSirens for letting me be a part of the team. ❤️🌺
Thank you Kata and the BookSirens for letting me be a part of the team. ❤️🌺
July 26, 2025
Kind of a wild fantasy read! Couldn’t put it down and champing at the bit for the next book!
"I've been having unhinged dreams about her for years."
This story had so many things going on and I had no idea where it was heading, but I thoroughly enjoyed each revelation. Cordelia McCoy and Duke Castellaw were a thrilling pair. Enemies since they were kids, but Cordelia has never known the reason why. I felt so sorry for Cordelia and how unseen and alone she felt. Duke had his own struggles, so I loved the trust that built up between them.
It's true that the whole body swap scenario made for a slightly confusing read, but you just have to ride it out because the way that Duke and Cordelia come to understand and care for one another is beautiful. I'm so looking forward to the next book.
Amazon:
"I've been having unhinged dreams about her for years."
This story had so many things going on and I had no idea where it was heading, but I thoroughly enjoyed each revelation. Cordelia McCoy and Duke Castellaw were a thrilling pair. Enemies since they were kids, but Cordelia has never known the reason why. I felt so sorry for Cordelia and how unseen and alone she felt. Duke had his own struggles, so I loved the trust that built up between them.
It's true that the whole body swap scenario made for a slightly confusing read, but you just have to ride it out because the way that Duke and Cordelia come to understand and care for one another is beautiful. I'm so looking forward to the next book.
Amazon:
August 13, 2025
loved it !! love Cordie and Duke... this is their story... body swap and all !! a fun fast paced drama set in Utopia, WV... he's the bully from H.... she's back to bury her granny... the wish and the body swap and it's all so different now... and the Mothman is real !!! as are witches and.... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
3.5 stars! This was a little hard to keep up with since there was a lot going on, but still very enjoyable. The writing was great, as is the chemistry between the two main characters. Cliffhanger ending only left me wanting more. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2025
The plot was unique and the story interesting. I was a bit confused at some parts though as to who was doing what due to the body swap. It ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2025
Such a wild ride! So many twists! The writing is beautiful and intricate and the story was amazing! If you love folklore, magic, and fated mates with a twist, read it asap!
November 2, 2025
Mystery is not the same as confusion and miscommunication. Intriguing plot, but I hated this. It was convoluted and annoying.
July 31, 2025
I tell you from my heart that this story is incredible! I love the world, the main characters have a super good development and the truth is I can’t wait to have this book in physical, because yes, I was one of the lucky ones to have this book as ARC (my first in fact) at the beginning all that called me was that there is body change in this story and curiosity killed me! So I read it and I was delighted!
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