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Kisses and Curses: A Small Town Loathing to Lovers Fall Romance
Mara’s ex just got engaged.
Dylan’s back in town after eight years away.
With tourism on the decline, both are counting on Ravenridge’s fall festival to breathe life into the struggling town.
After Mara accidentally breaks an ancient artifact rumored to be cursed, Dylan—her childhood best friend turned world-traveling blogger—spins the story into a viral 'cursed festival' rebrand. Thrown into a partnership neither of them wants, they’re forced to work side by side to save the event—and maybe the town itself.
Dylan is charming, infuriating, and maybe exactly what Mara didn’t know she needed. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, Mara must decide what’s worth the past she’s clung to or the future she’s only just begun to imagine.
Dylan’s back in town after eight years away.
With tourism on the decline, both are counting on Ravenridge’s fall festival to breathe life into the struggling town.
After Mara accidentally breaks an ancient artifact rumored to be cursed, Dylan—her childhood best friend turned world-traveling blogger—spins the story into a viral 'cursed festival' rebrand. Thrown into a partnership neither of them wants, they’re forced to work side by side to save the event—and maybe the town itself.
Dylan is charming, infuriating, and maybe exactly what Mara didn’t know she needed. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, Mara must decide what’s worth the past she’s clung to or the future she’s only just begun to imagine.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
1 person is currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Brownlee
9 books359 followersHi friends!
I’m Kelsey, and I write romance novels filled with fun banter, cozy settings, and happily ever afters. My debut YA Fantasy The Champion's Quest is out now. When I'm not writing, you can find me snuggled up with my husband, daughter, and dog.
I’m also the proud owner of Moontrek Press. Come say hi on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @kelseybrownleeauthor—I love connecting with fellow book lovers!
I’m Kelsey, and I write romance novels filled with fun banter, cozy settings, and happily ever afters. My debut YA Fantasy The Champion's Quest is out now. When I'm not writing, you can find me snuggled up with my husband, daughter, and dog.
I’m also the proud owner of Moontrek Press. Come say hi on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @kelseybrownleeauthor—I love connecting with fellow book lovers!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 19, 2025
This is the perfect fall cozy read. Follow Mara, as she finds out her ex is engaged less than a year after their breakup from last year’s fall festival. But the real drama begins when her best friend, Dylan, returns after years of no contact. Can Mara move past her grudge to uncover the truth? And will this year's fall festival finally bring her the happily ever after she deserves?
Favorite quote: There were only three things that truly mattered in life. Good friends, good food, and good sex.
Give this book a read to find out what ends up happening 😏
Favorite quote: There were only three things that truly mattered in life. Good friends, good food, and good sex.
Give this book a read to find out what ends up happening 😏
August 19, 2025
This was the perfect first read into spooky season and fall! I love the cute romance of this book and how I live for small town romances! Mara is my favorite character because I totally would hold a grudge if my best friend of 18 years up and left with no contact. I mean how could you not be upset about that. Her and Dylan connecting again because they have to for the town is my favorite. It’s almost a second chance romance and an enemies to lovers! Dylan puts everyone else first rather then himself and Mara is trying to put herself first for the first time and trying to figure out who she is after he break up after ten years together. The connection between the FMC and MMC keeps you on your toes for sure! You never know how Mara is going to act and I love that little suspense from her!
Read to find out how it ends and how the fall festival goes!
Read to find out how it ends and how the fall festival goes!
May 11, 2025
Kisses and Curses was the book that got me into the romance genre! I had the honor of beta reading several versions of this book and I fell more in love with it each time I stepped into its pages.
Mara is trying to get over her ex, who just got engaged, and it’s the talk of the town. The last thing she needs is for more drama to come to the surface—but enter Dylan, her estranged childhood best friend, back in town after years away to sell his aunt’s shop. When Mara shatters a ‘cursed’ artifact, Dylan uses the ‘curse’ to boost tourism for the upcoming festival, and the two are grudgingly forced to work together. But as they sort out the issues of their past, sparks begin to fly between the childhood friends-turned-enemies, and secrets are revealed.
I love this story—from the sweet small-town vibes, to the highly relatable characters, to the relationships between them (especially Annie, Mara’s best friend), to the endlessly amusing reactions to the alleged curse (looking at you, Evie—you’ll see!). It’s the perfect cozy fall read, and it has my highest recommendation! So excited to add the physical version to my shelves!
Mara is trying to get over her ex, who just got engaged, and it’s the talk of the town. The last thing she needs is for more drama to come to the surface—but enter Dylan, her estranged childhood best friend, back in town after years away to sell his aunt’s shop. When Mara shatters a ‘cursed’ artifact, Dylan uses the ‘curse’ to boost tourism for the upcoming festival, and the two are grudgingly forced to work together. But as they sort out the issues of their past, sparks begin to fly between the childhood friends-turned-enemies, and secrets are revealed.
I love this story—from the sweet small-town vibes, to the highly relatable characters, to the relationships between them (especially Annie, Mara’s best friend), to the endlessly amusing reactions to the alleged curse (looking at you, Evie—you’ll see!). It’s the perfect cozy fall read, and it has my highest recommendation! So excited to add the physical version to my shelves!
August 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Kisses and Curses is the perfect wallowing tale for those gloomy fall days where the darken sky promises rain and the wind is humming a melancholic ballad, stripping trees of their withered leaves. Window seat, cozy blanket drapped over your legs, warm seasonal drink - most likely something pumpkin - and a good book, this book. Heaven.
"The string that tethered the wayward to the stable."
I will admit third person POV isn't my favourite cup of tea, but it was still a beautiful read. The writing is elegant and vivid. The story is spellbinding. The characters charming. This book made me hungry though, the way Kelsey described food it was so real and tangible, made my mouth water.
Ravenridge "looked like it was pulled straight from the Hallmark channel," Kelsey writes, and I quite agree. It also gives you a Stars Hollow feel. I mean, there's the coffee shop, the in, the antique shop, a gazebo, town meetings. The name of the places in Ravenridge, I have to say, are chef's kiss. Cedar and Sage Bistro, The Maple Heart, Deli Queens, Mystics, The Roasted Bean, The Pinecone Bed and Breakfast, Enchantress club, Antiques, Bloom Bluff Teashop.
"Sleepovers that turned into secret midnight adventures, hours spent exploring every nook and cranny in this small town, pinky promises sealed with sticky marshmallow fingers."
Going back to Gilmore Girls echoes. Mara gives me big Sookie vibes with a pinch of Lorelai's sarcasm and coffee personality and Rory's fragile sense of self. Brandy is Dean - first love and all that. Dylan, the sweet boy with a racy smirk, deep down he's Luke, sour yet loyal and caring, but kind of acts like Jess Mariano - I mean, the leaving and ghosting, and the raw tension between him and Mara. And Al very much reminds me of Kirk.
"We’re nostalgia, Dylan. That’s all."
The whole childhood friends to strangers to lovers - with a loathing phase in between, mostly on Mara's end - took my breath away, it was beautifully done. Add a fall mood, a cursed small town and a black cat to the mix and I am a goner.
"So you believe in a cat being a sign but not the curse?" "I can pick and choose."
There's nothing like a night in a bates motel type establishment, one bed and one raccoon scare that leads to a naked wet Dylan coming to Mara's rescue. Best part of the book for me.
"Her wish was still clutched in her palm, the ink already starting to bleed."
You know those stories that you want to savour, not inhale, because you just don't want it to ever end, Kisses and Curses was one of those for me. I wish I could be lost inside this fabricated world forever. Thank you Kelsey for bringing this story to life, and giving me the opportunity to read it before others could.
"This was love. Not control. Not fear. Not playing it safe. Just someone willing to weather the storm with her."
🌶️🌶️
Kisses and Curses is the perfect wallowing tale for those gloomy fall days where the darken sky promises rain and the wind is humming a melancholic ballad, stripping trees of their withered leaves. Window seat, cozy blanket drapped over your legs, warm seasonal drink - most likely something pumpkin - and a good book, this book. Heaven.
"The string that tethered the wayward to the stable."
I will admit third person POV isn't my favourite cup of tea, but it was still a beautiful read. The writing is elegant and vivid. The story is spellbinding. The characters charming. This book made me hungry though, the way Kelsey described food it was so real and tangible, made my mouth water.
Ravenridge "looked like it was pulled straight from the Hallmark channel," Kelsey writes, and I quite agree. It also gives you a Stars Hollow feel. I mean, there's the coffee shop, the in, the antique shop, a gazebo, town meetings. The name of the places in Ravenridge, I have to say, are chef's kiss. Cedar and Sage Bistro, The Maple Heart, Deli Queens, Mystics, The Roasted Bean, The Pinecone Bed and Breakfast, Enchantress club, Antiques, Bloom Bluff Teashop.
"Sleepovers that turned into secret midnight adventures, hours spent exploring every nook and cranny in this small town, pinky promises sealed with sticky marshmallow fingers."
Going back to Gilmore Girls echoes. Mara gives me big Sookie vibes with a pinch of Lorelai's sarcasm and coffee personality and Rory's fragile sense of self. Brandy is Dean - first love and all that. Dylan, the sweet boy with a racy smirk, deep down he's Luke, sour yet loyal and caring, but kind of acts like Jess Mariano - I mean, the leaving and ghosting, and the raw tension between him and Mara. And Al very much reminds me of Kirk.
"We’re nostalgia, Dylan. That’s all."
The whole childhood friends to strangers to lovers - with a loathing phase in between, mostly on Mara's end - took my breath away, it was beautifully done. Add a fall mood, a cursed small town and a black cat to the mix and I am a goner.
"So you believe in a cat being a sign but not the curse?" "I can pick and choose."
There's nothing like a night in a bates motel type establishment, one bed and one raccoon scare that leads to a naked wet Dylan coming to Mara's rescue. Best part of the book for me.
"Her wish was still clutched in her palm, the ink already starting to bleed."
You know those stories that you want to savour, not inhale, because you just don't want it to ever end, Kisses and Curses was one of those for me. I wish I could be lost inside this fabricated world forever. Thank you Kelsey for bringing this story to life, and giving me the opportunity to read it before others could.
"This was love. Not control. Not fear. Not playing it safe. Just someone willing to weather the storm with her."
October 17, 2025
This story gives you a cozy small town vibe in Ravenridge, while including plenty of small town gossip. Fall festivities and lots of planning to try and revitalize the small town. And a potential curse upon the town when an ancient stone is accidentally broken right before their fall festival. - Two former best friends come back together to help plan the festivities. One is still reeling from her breakup a year before and the fact that her ex is now engaged to someone else, while the other returns to town and is forced to eventually explain why he left and ghosted her after all their years of friendship.
I enjoyed the small town of Ravenridge and it’s people for the most part. At the end of the book, I enjoyed the festivities and how everything came together. The writing was done very well I thought, with just a couple little typos towards the end of the book.
What I wasn’t a fan of was the “almost” third act breakup towards the end. And the FMC who for most of the book seemed to fall into the category of a “oh woe is me, but don’t pity me, self saboteur”. Her character just wasn’t my personal cup of tea, nor how she dealt with her relationships.
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Spice: 2/5 (a couple short scenes that weren’t super descriptive)
What to expect 👇
- Small cottage town in Vermont
- Sort of a Forced Proximity vibe
- Getting over a breakup
- Fall Festival
- Saving failing businesses
- Friends to not-friends to friends to lovers?
- Small town curse?
- Some furry pals
- Single POV
I enjoyed the small town of Ravenridge and it’s people for the most part. At the end of the book, I enjoyed the festivities and how everything came together. The writing was done very well I thought, with just a couple little typos towards the end of the book.
What I wasn’t a fan of was the “almost” third act breakup towards the end. And the FMC who for most of the book seemed to fall into the category of a “oh woe is me, but don’t pity me, self saboteur”. Her character just wasn’t my personal cup of tea, nor how she dealt with her relationships.
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Spice: 2/5 (a couple short scenes that weren’t super descriptive)
What to expect 👇
- Small cottage town in Vermont
- Sort of a Forced Proximity vibe
- Getting over a breakup
- Fall Festival
- Saving failing businesses
- Friends to not-friends to friends to lovers?
- Small town curse?
- Some furry pals
- Single POV
October 2, 2025
Kisses and Curses by Kelsey Brownlee is a quintessential fall read! After facing a decline in tourism, the small town of Ravenridge prepares to host an annual fall festival in an attempt to save local businesses. Reeling from the embarrassment of being publicly dumped by her ex, Mara is determined to save her town even if that means working with her childhood best friend, Dylan, who ghosted her after he left Ravenridge eight years ago. If working with Dylan isn’t bad enough, a curse descends on the town after Mara accidentally breaks an ancient artifact. Amid the chaos, Mara never expected sparks to fly between her and Dylan. The two will have to decide if they can put the past to rest and work together to save the town and their relationship with one another.
The warmth and cozy feel of Ravenridge was giving Stars Hollow vibes. Kelsey did a wonderful job creating the ultimate autumn feels. From cute local shops to warm drinks, hot pastries, and nosy townspeople, Kelsey made me feel like I was immersed in the small town. There’s even a cute black cat named Midnight!
This is the perfect cozy book to grab a warm cup of tea and curl up in your favorite reading nook with this fall.
Read this if you love:
•small-town romance
•childhood friends to lovers
•forced proximity
•only one bed
•cozy fall vibes
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The warmth and cozy feel of Ravenridge was giving Stars Hollow vibes. Kelsey did a wonderful job creating the ultimate autumn feels. From cute local shops to warm drinks, hot pastries, and nosy townspeople, Kelsey made me feel like I was immersed in the small town. There’s even a cute black cat named Midnight!
This is the perfect cozy book to grab a warm cup of tea and curl up in your favorite reading nook with this fall.
Read this if you love:
•small-town romance
•childhood friends to lovers
•forced proximity
•only one bed
•cozy fall vibes
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2025
🍁🐈⬛ARC Review🐈⬛🍁
Thank you for this ARC copy of Kisses and Curses!
This was a cute read to get you in the mood for fall. A flirty childhood friends to lovers story that came to be because of circumstances.
I am glad that Mara and her ex broke up a year ago. However who would take their girlfriend of 10years to an important town festival and break up with her!?! That was 💯 the worst move ever. Especially since it’s a small town and she helps to plan the festival every year!
Enter Dylan who has secretly been in love with Mara since they were kids! He finally gets his shot but after the “curse” goes into effect things start going wrong, which could end up bringing them together or push them further apart!
I loved Dylan, and I am team Dylan, plus the midnight the little kitty.
I will say that the writing of the wish on a paper event brought the story full circle for me and I love how it all connected back… when the year before she wished for a ring and although she meant it as getting engaged, who knew that the ring she wished for was actually the one that brought Dylan and Mara together and put them onto this crazy journey of rediscovering themselves and realizing the love that they have for each other.
Tropes:
🍁Childhood friends to Lovers
🐈⬛He has lover her forever
🍁Slow Burn
🐈⬛Roadtrip
🍁Only one Bed
🐈⬛Forced Proximity
Thank you for this ARC copy of Kisses and Curses!
This was a cute read to get you in the mood for fall. A flirty childhood friends to lovers story that came to be because of circumstances.
I am glad that Mara and her ex broke up a year ago. However who would take their girlfriend of 10years to an important town festival and break up with her!?! That was 💯 the worst move ever. Especially since it’s a small town and she helps to plan the festival every year!
Enter Dylan who has secretly been in love with Mara since they were kids! He finally gets his shot but after the “curse” goes into effect things start going wrong, which could end up bringing them together or push them further apart!
I loved Dylan, and I am team Dylan, plus the midnight the little kitty.
I will say that the writing of the wish on a paper event brought the story full circle for me and I love how it all connected back… when the year before she wished for a ring and although she meant it as getting engaged, who knew that the ring she wished for was actually the one that brought Dylan and Mara together and put them onto this crazy journey of rediscovering themselves and realizing the love that they have for each other.
Tropes:
🍁Childhood friends to Lovers
🐈⬛He has lover her forever
🍁Slow Burn
🐈⬛Roadtrip
🍁Only one Bed
🐈⬛Forced Proximity
August 1, 2025
Ravenbridge is the perfect setting for the romance brewing between Mara Dylan. It has a great amount of autumn magic, emotional depth and second chances. It may be a small town but it was full with the right amount of nostalgia and coziness.
I absolutely loved Mara and Dylan’s dynamic. The witty banter, Mara’s vulnerability and Dylan’s charm felt beautifully balances. The romance was just right.
Kelsey Brownlee has perfectly woven the cozy atmosphere, which makes this a great autumn read.
If I had to pick a thread that frayed a little, I would have loved to spend more time with the cursed stone - its lore was so intriguing.
Nevertheless, I adored the whimsical premise - a festival tangles up in folklore, curses and PR stunts.
Final thoughts: Kisses and Curses is an enchanting autumn read for people who love forced proximity, small-town charm and second chances. I absolutely loved it and I read it in one sitting! A quote that struck me the most was: “I’ve loved all versions of you, Mara. And I will always love all versions of you.” ✨
My final rating: 4.5 stars
I absolutely loved Mara and Dylan’s dynamic. The witty banter, Mara’s vulnerability and Dylan’s charm felt beautifully balances. The romance was just right.
Kelsey Brownlee has perfectly woven the cozy atmosphere, which makes this a great autumn read.
If I had to pick a thread that frayed a little, I would have loved to spend more time with the cursed stone - its lore was so intriguing.
Nevertheless, I adored the whimsical premise - a festival tangles up in folklore, curses and PR stunts.
Final thoughts: Kisses and Curses is an enchanting autumn read for people who love forced proximity, small-town charm and second chances. I absolutely loved it and I read it in one sitting! A quote that struck me the most was: “I’ve loved all versions of you, Mara. And I will always love all versions of you.” ✨
My final rating: 4.5 stars
September 1, 2025
PERFECT book to start September and this fall season 🥹🎃🍂
Adored all the back and forth of this story, the grunge between Mara and her ex, the best friend turned enemy who is back in town, the small town drama. It was precious.
- cursed small town
- one bed
- childhood friends to enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
I thought the writing was great, kept my attention, and was perfectly descriptive without being too long or have unnecessary details.
The plot was SO fun! Loved the fall festival and hearing about every small town shops business. Add in a bit of romance and spice, it was wonderful.
The characters were all well written and fun to get to know, not too many characters, but plenty of back stories and side plots!
Overall loved this as my first fall read of the season! Thank you to Kelsey for an ARC 🩶
Adored all the back and forth of this story, the grunge between Mara and her ex, the best friend turned enemy who is back in town, the small town drama. It was precious.
- cursed small town
- one bed
- childhood friends to enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
I thought the writing was great, kept my attention, and was perfectly descriptive without being too long or have unnecessary details.
The plot was SO fun! Loved the fall festival and hearing about every small town shops business. Add in a bit of romance and spice, it was wonderful.
The characters were all well written and fun to get to know, not too many characters, but plenty of back stories and side plots!
Overall loved this as my first fall read of the season! Thank you to Kelsey for an ARC 🩶
October 22, 2025
🌸 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐞
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.𝟕𝟓
• 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑅𝐶 ღ
~ Kisses and Curses is a cozy romance that perfectly captures the atmosphere of a small town in autumn. In Ravenridge, Mara and her childhood friend Dylan must work together to save the town’s annual festival while dealing with past misunderstandings and an ancient curse accidentally unleashed.
~ The author creates a charming setting, full of little shops, cafés, and curious townspeople, reminiscent of Stars Hollow. The childhood friends-to-lovers romance is sweet and engaging, with fun and magical moments, including the adorable cat Midnight.
~ Although the protagonist sometimes self-sabotages and the “almost breakup” near the end may frustrate, the story is perfect for those looking for a light, romantic read with a true autumn vibe. Ideal for an afternoon with a warm cup of tea.
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.𝟕𝟓
• 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑅𝐶 ღ
~ Kisses and Curses is a cozy romance that perfectly captures the atmosphere of a small town in autumn. In Ravenridge, Mara and her childhood friend Dylan must work together to save the town’s annual festival while dealing with past misunderstandings and an ancient curse accidentally unleashed.
~ The author creates a charming setting, full of little shops, cafés, and curious townspeople, reminiscent of Stars Hollow. The childhood friends-to-lovers romance is sweet and engaging, with fun and magical moments, including the adorable cat Midnight.
~ Although the protagonist sometimes self-sabotages and the “almost breakup” near the end may frustrate, the story is perfect for those looking for a light, romantic read with a true autumn vibe. Ideal for an afternoon with a warm cup of tea.
August 10, 2025
This was a cosy small town romance, with plenty of drama, romantic conflict, tension and a charming autumn atmosphere.
Mara is trying to help her town and plan the annual festival, but she's feeling the pressures, and still haunted by her ex's rejection last year, and the lingering pity from the town. When her old friend drops back into town it only adds to her chaos, and causes her further confusion. It has that sweet hallmark vibe, and you can't help but root for them to fall in love. It's a wholesome read with great characters, and I liked seeing them work together and find that needed connection.
Mara is trying to help her town and plan the annual festival, but she's feeling the pressures, and still haunted by her ex's rejection last year, and the lingering pity from the town. When her old friend drops back into town it only adds to her chaos, and causes her further confusion. It has that sweet hallmark vibe, and you can't help but root for them to fall in love. It's a wholesome read with great characters, and I liked seeing them work together and find that needed connection.
August 2, 2025
Kisses & Curses is the perfect cozy small-town romance if you love fall vibes and loathing to lovers. I had the privilege of beta-reading this novel and easily breezed right through it. The main characters of this story are Mara, a cafe owner trying to navigate planning the town's most important festival, who is easily relatable, and Dylan, the travel blogger, who returns home after eight years and turns Mara's perspective upside down.
I recommend this story if you enjoy small-town romance with nosy townspeople and low-stakes reading!
I recommend this story if you enjoy small-town romance with nosy townspeople and low-stakes reading!
August 13, 2025
So thankful to receive an ARC copy. This is a Cute Fall small town mystery and romance story. Estranged Best friends find their way back to the same time. They have to work together to help their fall festival thrive so their small town doesn't flounder. The detailed writing was amazing. I could imagine going to the festival and all the activities. I enjoyed watching each character grow individually and together. I do wish it was a duel perspective instead of just one sided. Understanding his perspective would of helped a little more to round out the story line.
September 5, 2025
If you've ever wanted to wrap yourself in a flannel blanket, sip a pumpkin spiced latte and fall in love with a story that feels like a Hallmark movie - Kisses and Curses is a must read! This cute story is set in the charming, small town of Ravenridge, VT as they gear up for their annual Harvest Festival. Sparks fly when Mara finds out her childhood best friend, Dylan, is back in town after so many years. Will they give their budding relationship a chance or will he leave town abruptly again just like last time?
July 29, 2025
Ms Kelsey Brownlee has made a romance book lover out of me!! Not sure if it was the cozy fall vibes or the insanely relatable main character, but I was enthralled with the story of Mara and Dylan; I couldn’t put it down! I feel so lucky I was able to follow this book from the beginning drafts and let me tell you, this story and these characters do not disappoint. Highly recommend for those who just love the autumn vibes and the romantic notions it can produce- 5/5 stars
August 15, 2025
A sweet, cozy, fall, small town romance read to get you in the mood for the spooky season
This book gives all the hallmark movie vibes but there's nothing wrong with that and you will absolutely be rooting for Dylan and Mara fall in love.
I personally would have loved a little more of the 'curses' in the story but it is still such a great quick, feel good read that you wont be disappointed
This book gives all the hallmark movie vibes but there's nothing wrong with that and you will absolutely be rooting for Dylan and Mara fall in love.
I personally would have loved a little more of the 'curses' in the story but it is still such a great quick, feel good read that you wont be disappointed
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars
What a perfect fall book! I loved the small town vibes, the characters, and the relationships. It was all so well done and left me with a smile on my face….although I may be a little jealous that I don’t live in Ravensridge haha! I’d love for this to turn into a series, because I’m definitely hooked!
I was so happy to be part of the arc team. Thank you to Kelsey for allowing me to read an early review copy.
What a perfect fall book! I loved the small town vibes, the characters, and the relationships. It was all so well done and left me with a smile on my face….although I may be a little jealous that I don’t live in Ravensridge haha! I’d love for this to turn into a series, because I’m definitely hooked!
I was so happy to be part of the arc team. Thank you to Kelsey for allowing me to read an early review copy.
August 13, 2025
This story gave me all the perfect autumn vibes—pumpkin cold brews in hand, fall festivals on the calendar, and even a mysterious small-town curse to keep things interesting. The chemistry between Mara and Dylan was absolutely electric, and Dylan himself? The sweetest.
Grab your favorite pumpkin drink, snuggle up, and dive right in.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶 Spice: 2/5
Grab your favorite pumpkin drink, snuggle up, and dive right in.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶 Spice: 2/5
August 19, 2025
Kisses & Curses is the perfect cozy small-town romance for fall 🍂. With forced proximity, one bed, childhood friends, and that irresistible loathing-to-lovers spark, Mara and Dylan’s story is sweet, heartfelt, and full of autumn magic. The festival setting made it the ultimate feel-good fall read! 🧡✨
September 1, 2025
This book gave me all the autumn vibes—cozy, charming, and so full of heart. The characters are wonderfully relatable and felt like people I’d actually want to know. The small-town setting is pure magic, capturing everything I love about fall. It’s the kind of story that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. A perfect seasonal read that I’ll be recommending again and again!
October 17, 2025
This book is a super cute cozy romance. I enjoyed the character and romance development. I will say I think the book could have benefited from more information from the characters youth ahead of time so we could guess where the story was going more. A little more foreshadowing would have really had me on the edge of my seat.
Loved the one room one bed available scenes.
Loved the one room one bed available scenes.
August 3, 2025
I fell in love with Mara and her personality instantly. I could not put this down and found myself rooting for her and Dylan. This book gave me Hallmark vibes and I am not hating it. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something sweet with a little bit of spice
August 21, 2025
It’s cute. Easy to read and a fast read as well. Gives all the fall vibes as well with fun tropes.
September 9, 2025
A cute & cozy fall romance 🧡
Thank you to the Author for letting me read this via ARC!
Thank you to the Author for letting me read this via ARC!
October 10, 2025
The most perfect fall-read!! Small town, curses, exes that you can’t seem to escape and best of all, baked goods and coffee!!
August 19, 2025
Review coming soon - but YES READ IT!!! 🎃 🍂
Kisses & Curses is the ultimate cozy, autumn read Seriously, I think everyone would fall in love with this.
Set in the charming small town of Ravenridge (think The Good Witch vibes), it's packed with nostalgia, old sparks, superstition, a mysterious cursed stone, and romantic tension that had me swooning. Bonus points for a lovable dog
sidekick and a fall festival that made me feel like I was right there eating pumpkin treats and sipping cider.
I couldn't stop smiling the whole way through, and yes... I was cheering for Dylan every single chapter. The perfect mix
of wholesome, magical, and laugh-out-loud moments. Grab a hot chocolate and curl up under the blanket for this one.
Kisses & Curses is the ultimate cozy, autumn read Seriously, I think everyone would fall in love with this.
Set in the charming small town of Ravenridge (think The Good Witch vibes), it's packed with nostalgia, old sparks, superstition, a mysterious cursed stone, and romantic tension that had me swooning. Bonus points for a lovable dog
sidekick and a fall festival that made me feel like I was right there eating pumpkin treats and sipping cider.
I couldn't stop smiling the whole way through, and yes... I was cheering for Dylan every single chapter. The perfect mix
of wholesome, magical, and laugh-out-loud moments. Grab a hot chocolate and curl up under the blanket for this one.
December 30, 2025
ARC Review
5⭐
This is my honest review of Kisses and Curses
This book gives the perfect fall/autumn vibe and feels, with a dash of superstition in the name of a curse! 👻
Mara is still moving past the sympathetic glances and kind words from her small town, nearly a year after her ex broke up with her in front of the whole town at their annual fall festival. She is determined to move past this and focus on planning this year’s festival.
Dylan is suddenly back after 8 years of ghosting her, her best friend since childhood who mysteriously left without a word. He wants to help save the town, who desperately needs this festival to bring in more tourism and revenue. Perhaps even rekindle their long-lost friendship, or is there more to his sudden interest in her after all this time?
I loved how they went from bickering and teasing, back to friends and then to figuring out what they really mean to each other. Mara is scared to take another chance without a guarantee and he always has her best interest at heart.
Oh, and did I mention there is an adorable stray black cat they are both desperately trying to catch! Talk about cute AND spooky!
I really loved this book. If you love Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie, then I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Kelsey Brownlee for this ARC!
What to expect:
🎃 Third Person POV
✨ Loathing to Lovers
🧡 Childhood Friends
🍂 Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🍁 Swoony Fall Vibes
🌶️Dash of spice
5⭐
This is my honest review of Kisses and Curses
This book gives the perfect fall/autumn vibe and feels, with a dash of superstition in the name of a curse! 👻
Mara is still moving past the sympathetic glances and kind words from her small town, nearly a year after her ex broke up with her in front of the whole town at their annual fall festival. She is determined to move past this and focus on planning this year’s festival.
Dylan is suddenly back after 8 years of ghosting her, her best friend since childhood who mysteriously left without a word. He wants to help save the town, who desperately needs this festival to bring in more tourism and revenue. Perhaps even rekindle their long-lost friendship, or is there more to his sudden interest in her after all this time?
I loved how they went from bickering and teasing, back to friends and then to figuring out what they really mean to each other. Mara is scared to take another chance without a guarantee and he always has her best interest at heart.
Oh, and did I mention there is an adorable stray black cat they are both desperately trying to catch! Talk about cute AND spooky!
I really loved this book. If you love Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie, then I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Kelsey Brownlee for this ARC!
What to expect:
🎃 Third Person POV
✨ Loathing to Lovers
🧡 Childhood Friends
🍂 Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🍁 Swoony Fall Vibes
🌶️Dash of spice
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews