What do you think?
Rate this book
Stay for a Spell
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is disillusioned with life as a princess. She longs for real conversation, the chance to build a life of her own making, and uninterrupted reading time.
During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, Tandy’s dream comes true when she finds herself cursed to remain in a run-down bookshop until she unlocks her heart’s desire. Certain that someone will figure out how to break the curse eventually, and delighted by the prospect of an entire bookstore of her own, Tandy settles into life among the stacks. She finds it easy to exchange balls and endless state dinners for teetering piles of books and an irritatingly handsome pirate who seems bent on stealing her stock.
She even starts to believe she's stumbled into her very own happily ever after.
There's just one, minor as Tandy's royal duties go unfulfilled, her frantic parents start sending princes to woo her, each one of them certain their kiss will break the curse. After all, what more could a princess want but a prince?
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is disillusioned with life as a princess. She longs for real conversation, the chance to build a life of her own making, and uninterrupted reading time.
During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, Tandy’s dream comes true when she finds herself cursed to remain in a run-down bookshop until she unlocks her heart’s desire. Certain that someone will figure out how to break the curse eventually, and delighted by the prospect of an entire bookstore of her own, Tandy settles into life among the stacks. She finds it easy to exchange balls and endless state dinners for teetering piles of books and an irritatingly handsome pirate who seems bent on stealing her stock.
She even starts to believe she's stumbled into her very own happily ever after.
There's just one, minor as Tandy's royal duties go unfulfilled, her frantic parents start sending princes to woo her, each one of them certain their kiss will break the curse. After all, what more could a princess want but a prince?
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 14, 2026
22 people are currently reading
16898 people want to read
About the author
Amy Coombe
4 books46 followersBorn and raised in California, Amy is an award-winning writer, editor and publisher. She has lived all over the United States and is now based in London, where she uses her degrees in Law and Modern History to do neither of those things. She’s an avid reader, a licensed mudlarker, an enthusiastic fossil-hunter, a fledgling birder, and a font of useless trivia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Want to read
January 28, 2026It’s giving Rapunzel/Princess and the Pea in a bookshop and I am here for it. 🙌🏻
August 1, 2025
*4.5 stars*
This is an absolutely charming fairy tale for adults, starring a busy (and lonely) working princess who should be on the road nonstop but sneaks away for a moment of joy to explore a cozy bookshop - and then finds herself cursed (cursed!) to stay there, taking over as its new proprietess, surrounded by fabulous books and unable to go back to her duties. WHAT a shame!
Needless to say, she is *far* less distressed by this news than her royal parents, who immediately start sending a stream of royal princes to attempt to break the curse through kisses and true love - but the only person stirring her heart in that particular direction is the also-cursed pirate who keeps wandering into her shop for flirtation and mild robbery.
The world-building is extremely thin, but honestly, quibbling over that seems unfair because it is so very much beside the point of the whole story. It reminded me in a very good way of M.M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess, and I enjoyed it a lot. I also REALLY hope there will be a sequel starring the princess's supremely competent assistant!
This is an absolutely charming fairy tale for adults, starring a busy (and lonely) working princess who should be on the road nonstop but sneaks away for a moment of joy to explore a cozy bookshop - and then finds herself cursed (cursed!) to stay there, taking over as its new proprietess, surrounded by fabulous books and unable to go back to her duties. WHAT a shame!
Needless to say, she is *far* less distressed by this news than her royal parents, who immediately start sending a stream of royal princes to attempt to break the curse through kisses and true love - but the only person stirring her heart in that particular direction is the also-cursed pirate who keeps wandering into her shop for flirtation and mild robbery.
The world-building is extremely thin, but honestly, quibbling over that seems unfair because it is so very much beside the point of the whole story. It reminded me in a very good way of M.M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess, and I enjoyed it a lot. I also REALLY hope there will be a sequel starring the princess's supremely competent assistant!
January 12, 2026
*3.75
Tanadelle is a princess who accidentally gets cursed and is now trapped inside a bookshop. Her parents send the seven princes of the land to break the curse with true love’s kiss. Chaos, of course, ensues.
The characters were fun. Tandy was relatable, Sasha the goth draconae was funny, and Bash the sailor was an endearing kleptomaniac.
I do wish we got more details into the magic of the world and how it worked, but I think that’s just the epic fantasy reader in me.
There were a few scenes that I didn’t really care for; The random blurting out of the f-word felt very weird and took me out of the story (especially with the fact that that was practically the only instance of cursing in the book), the scene where a character gets a little too drunk and decides to go in the rain was a bit hard to read, there was a very suggestive romantic scene near the end that I didn’t care for, and then one of the princes being a princess was a bit weird as well.
I did still enjoy this book a lot, and I stayed up a little too late finishing it. Definitely one of the better cozy fantasies that I’ve read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
Tanadelle is a princess who accidentally gets cursed and is now trapped inside a bookshop. Her parents send the seven princes of the land to break the curse with true love’s kiss. Chaos, of course, ensues.
The characters were fun. Tandy was relatable, Sasha the goth draconae was funny, and Bash the sailor was an endearing kleptomaniac.
I do wish we got more details into the magic of the world and how it worked, but I think that’s just the epic fantasy reader in me.
There were a few scenes that I didn’t really care for; The random blurting out of the f-word felt very weird and took me out of the story (especially with the fact that that was practically the only instance of cursing in the book), the scene where a character gets a little too drunk and decides to go in the rain was a bit hard to read, there was a very suggestive romantic scene near the end that I didn’t care for, and then one of the princes being a princess was a bit weird as well.
I did still enjoy this book a lot, and I stayed up a little too late finishing it. Definitely one of the better cozy fantasies that I’ve read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
October 29, 2025
I loved this!!! so cozy and comforting!!
official blurb:
"Coombe has created an utterly enchanting world and cozy story set against the backdrop of a lovely bookshop and adorable village. Readers will root for Tandy to discover her heart’s desire and find the courage to seize it; as well as root for her banterful romance with a charming pirate. Stay for a Spell is ridiculously fun!"
official blurb:
"Coombe has created an utterly enchanting world and cozy story set against the backdrop of a lovely bookshop and adorable village. Readers will root for Tandy to discover her heart’s desire and find the courage to seize it; as well as root for her banterful romance with a charming pirate. Stay for a Spell is ridiculously fun!"
September 20, 2025
Giggling, squealing, kicking my feet! This was the cutest, coziest book EVERRRR! I laughed so much i gave myself an asthma attack! 15/10
March 21, 2026
*Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
This is my first true 5 star read of the year and it's perfect that it's this book. Who wouldn't want to be cursed to stay in a bookshop? Truly would be heavenly for me.
What really surprised me about this book was how it subverted my expectations. It was certainly comfy and cozy, but it felt like a much more character-driven novel. Stay for a Spell is all about Tandy finding herself and her voice, rather than focusing on the romantic curse cure-all of true love's first kiss. That isn't to say that this book is without romance, as there is PLENTY of smooching! But I felt like she really grew over the course of the book, both into a competent spellcaster and bookseller, but also into a self-assured woman. The cast of characters really complemented Tandy's journey while providing ample entertainment. Between the goth dragon shop assistant and the scalawag teasingly referred to as "barn pirate, they round out a book full of charm and humor.
Now I'll be over here clowning for a sequel with Honey, thank you very much.
This is my first true 5 star read of the year and it's perfect that it's this book. Who wouldn't want to be cursed to stay in a bookshop? Truly would be heavenly for me.
What really surprised me about this book was how it subverted my expectations. It was certainly comfy and cozy, but it felt like a much more character-driven novel. Stay for a Spell is all about Tandy finding herself and her voice, rather than focusing on the romantic curse cure-all of true love's first kiss. That isn't to say that this book is without romance, as there is PLENTY of smooching! But I felt like she really grew over the course of the book, both into a competent spellcaster and bookseller, but also into a self-assured woman. The cast of characters really complemented Tandy's journey while providing ample entertainment. Between the goth dragon shop assistant and the scalawag teasingly referred to as "barn pirate, they round out a book full of charm and humor.
Now I'll be over here clowning for a sequel with Honey, thank you very much.
November 19, 2025
📚 Bookish Thoughts
Absolutely obsessed with this cozy fantasy. It was low angst and full of feel good moments. I loved Princess Tandy right away because she felt so real in her internal thoughts. She has lived such a controlled and scripted life as a working royal and I could feel how badly she wanted freedom. She was also the best bookshop owner 😍🥰
Bash was a whole vibe and I was here for it. The reveal of how he got cursed had me cackling.
Tandy’s mom drove me up the wall and her dad was a bit useless, but they did come around. I did love that one of the princes who tried to break the curse was a woman.
I am hoping the ending means this will turn into a series because I need more of Honey.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy fantasy
• Cursed Princess
• Pirate MMC
• Bookshop
• Royal family drama
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 25, 2026
I knew I was going to love this book from the premise but it blew me away!
In this story we follow Princess Tandy as she’s cursed to never leave a bookshop again. With the help of an angsty teenager they get to shop back to running again and turn it into a cozy space for the rest of the town. Her parents decide then to send her the seven princes of the realms to try and save her with a kiss. Will it work? Or will the annoying pirate that keeps stealing stuff be the key to solve the curse?
I really loved the atmosphere and the setting so much. Tandy was an incredible MC to follow. And I also love the rest of the characters as well from Sasha, to Bash and all the seven princes. Some of the plot twists and revelations were so bizzarre they had me cackling at the kindle and then tear up when I read the acknowledgments. From that ending, I cannot wait to get more books in this series and to find out more about Honey in the next one? (potentially?)
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this story we follow Princess Tandy as she’s cursed to never leave a bookshop again. With the help of an angsty teenager they get to shop back to running again and turn it into a cozy space for the rest of the town. Her parents decide then to send her the seven princes of the realms to try and save her with a kiss. Will it work? Or will the annoying pirate that keeps stealing stuff be the key to solve the curse?
I really loved the atmosphere and the setting so much. Tandy was an incredible MC to follow. And I also love the rest of the characters as well from Sasha, to Bash and all the seven princes. Some of the plot twists and revelations were so bizzarre they had me cackling at the kindle and then tear up when I read the acknowledgments. From that ending, I cannot wait to get more books in this series and to find out more about Honey in the next one? (potentially?)
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2026
This book had me at "cursed to be in a bookshop."
I loved Tandy. She's so good and loyal and desperately knows she's unhappy with what she's doing with her life. There are a several wonderful secondary characters and of course, a love interest (hello, Barn Pirate), but this is firmly Tandy's story.
Plot wise, it's the loviest of meanderings as we read Tandy figuring out the life she wants while making real friends and learning to flirt. The so-called conflict was an open and honest conversation where everyone took turns talking and listening. And while I wanted something a bit more at the end (seriously, a future take would have been amazing), I loved this slice of time.
Overall, this was the coziest and fluffiest book ever. I can't wait to read it again.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Tandy. She's so good and loyal and desperately knows she's unhappy with what she's doing with her life. There are a several wonderful secondary characters and of course, a love interest (hello, Barn Pirate), but this is firmly Tandy's story.
Plot wise, it's the loviest of meanderings as we read Tandy figuring out the life she wants while making real friends and learning to flirt. The so-called conflict was an open and honest conversation where everyone took turns talking and listening. And while I wanted something a bit more at the end (seriously, a future take would have been amazing), I loved this slice of time.
Overall, this was the coziest and fluffiest book ever. I can't wait to read it again.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
October 4, 2025
A charming and warmhearted fairy tale for anyone who’s ever thought a bookshop feels like home. Stay for a Spell is a potpourri of cozy fantasy elements—princes and pirates, a magical cat, found family, and of course a delightful bookshop—that will enchant readers looking for a gentle place to land.
February 15, 2026
Big thanks to NetGalley and Ace for an advanced reader copy!
This was every bit as cosy and funny as I had hoped. I thoroughly enjoyed myself through the whole book. I fear I am starting to like cosy romances 😂
Also, spice level basically zero, which I appreciate 🥳
This was every bit as cosy and funny as I had hoped. I thoroughly enjoyed myself through the whole book. I fear I am starting to like cosy romances 😂
Also, spice level basically zero, which I appreciate 🥳
December 4, 2025
I won an ARC of this book. It was a nice little cozy read. My only negative point for this book is the use of titles the author chose. Ex: Crown Prince and Lord Mayor regardless of gender. It was a little confusing at times to understand who was being talked about. I feel using Crown Princess and Lady Mayor would’ve been better.
August 1, 2025
Delightfully charming and very whimsical!! Will appeal to fans of Legends & Lattes and Violet Thistlewaite
March 5, 2026
Stay for A Spell by Amy Coombe was so much fun! I had a great time! The synopsis was already a blast; a princess getting stuck inside a bookshop because of a curse and all the princes come one by one to cure this curse, I was hooked. And yes, I flew through this book as it’s just lovely. The main character is very nice, a bit naive and I laughed at how she didn’t recognise a pirate when everyone around her did. This book is a bit the owning of a shop and cute colleagues like Legends and Latte’s meets The Spell Shop plot wise, but for me it trumps both and that’s high praise (ok I love Legends but this reads faster with more plot, and I hated the main character in the Spell Shop oops sorry not sorry).
Despite being bound to a book shop, a LOT happened and the story kept going forward without it getting boring once. We get to meet a lot of nice characters, get to know some magic and it feels a bit like a fairytale retelling, but very cosy. The princes were much fun (this is a queer normative world so princes can be all genders though mainly male). I loved the deeper layer in this coming of age story, about learning what you really want and stop just pleasing others and make yourself small. I love how Tandy grew into her own person.
There were a few things that bothered me, but those were small inconsistencies that nobody probably noticed (like how she was forced to eat turnips, but then a few chapters further she had dinner rolls and why couldn’t she just get food delivered? She wondered how she’d get new books delivered and a next chapter that was just fixed without mentioning it?). Ah well, it were very minor things and probably just me being autistic, as you’re just supposed to get along with the fairytale vibe. One major thing bugged me but again this can be due to my unique experiences: being housebound myself, that gets under your skin. The idea you can’t go outside, it’s very hard to handle. The walls constrict and your world gets so small. There were times the main character was a bit put out about being literally locked into a building, but I didn’t really see this aspect of how it creeps up on you, I would’ve expected it more. Ah well, it’s a fairy tale so it isn’t supposed to be that deep.
Ok that seemed like a lot of critique on a 5 star book, but they were really minor, I just felt the need to talk about it I guess? Because I really really loved this book, the cosy vibes, standing up for yourself, the found family, a few princes and a land locked pirate thrown in, it was so lovely and I recommend it to anyone! Even people who aren’t into cosy fantasy, as there is actually a plot and a lot happens, I think more people will enjoy this than just the cosy fans.
I received a free copy through netgalley, but this hasn’t influenced my opinion.
Despite being bound to a book shop, a LOT happened and the story kept going forward without it getting boring once. We get to meet a lot of nice characters, get to know some magic and it feels a bit like a fairytale retelling, but very cosy. The princes were much fun (this is a queer normative world so princes can be all genders though mainly male). I loved the deeper layer in this coming of age story, about learning what you really want and stop just pleasing others and make yourself small. I love how Tandy grew into her own person.
There were a few things that bothered me, but those were small inconsistencies that nobody probably noticed (like how she was forced to eat turnips, but then a few chapters further she had dinner rolls and why couldn’t she just get food delivered? She wondered how she’d get new books delivered and a next chapter that was just fixed without mentioning it?). Ah well, it were very minor things and probably just me being autistic, as you’re just supposed to get along with the fairytale vibe. One major thing bugged me but again this can be due to my unique experiences: being housebound myself, that gets under your skin. The idea you can’t go outside, it’s very hard to handle. The walls constrict and your world gets so small. There were times the main character was a bit put out about being literally locked into a building, but I didn’t really see this aspect of how it creeps up on you, I would’ve expected it more. Ah well, it’s a fairy tale so it isn’t supposed to be that deep.
Ok that seemed like a lot of critique on a 5 star book, but they were really minor, I just felt the need to talk about it I guess? Because I really really loved this book, the cosy vibes, standing up for yourself, the found family, a few princes and a land locked pirate thrown in, it was so lovely and I recommend it to anyone! Even people who aren’t into cosy fantasy, as there is actually a plot and a lot happens, I think more people will enjoy this than just the cosy fans.
I received a free copy through netgalley, but this hasn’t influenced my opinion.
March 20, 2026
Stay for a Spell is a cozy fantasy romance about Tandy, a disillusioned princess constantly touring the kingdom for royal ceremonial duties. That is until she’s accidentally cursed in a small town and bound to a bookstore until she discovers her heart’s true desire. Rather than panic, she embraces it as a much-needed break, breathing new life into the rundown shop with the help of a goth teenage assistant and a rakishly charming (and also cursed) pirate, Bash. But her parents refuse to leave her be, sending all seven princes of the realm in hopes that true love’s kiss will break the spell.
This is such a cute, simple, and charming read. It leans fully into its cozy, low-stakes premise and asks very little of the reader beyond enjoying the ride. Think Legends & Lattes and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, but even more lighthearted. This book doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it, happily basking in its own softness. Despite being set in a fantastical world, the story’s confined premise makes everything feel intimate and lived-in without heavy worldbuilding. Tandy and Bash’s banter is a highlight—playful, flirty, and genuinely fun—and I couldn’t help but root for them. The visiting princes each add their own flavor, with a few particularly memorable standouts.
Stay for a Spell is a soft, feel-good cozy fantasy that’s all charm, banter, and bookstore magic.
*Thank you Team HarperFiction for the eARC via NetGalley
This is such a cute, simple, and charming read. It leans fully into its cozy, low-stakes premise and asks very little of the reader beyond enjoying the ride. Think Legends & Lattes and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, but even more lighthearted. This book doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it, happily basking in its own softness. Despite being set in a fantastical world, the story’s confined premise makes everything feel intimate and lived-in without heavy worldbuilding. Tandy and Bash’s banter is a highlight—playful, flirty, and genuinely fun—and I couldn’t help but root for them. The visiting princes each add their own flavor, with a few particularly memorable standouts.
Stay for a Spell is a soft, feel-good cozy fantasy that’s all charm, banter, and bookstore magic.
*Thank you Team HarperFiction for the eARC via NetGalley
March 18, 2026
Rating this book was a bit tough for me. I liked all of the characters and found all the princes hilarious when they first arrive at the bookshop. Sebastian (AKA Bash) was my favorite character because he made me smile the most and I was cheering for his happy ending the entire time. I also think the spice level was perfect for a cozy magical book and well done.
One of the few things I felt was missing is more backstory between Princess Tanadelle (AKA Tandy) and the seven princes. It seemed like the princes arrived, we got approximately 2-3 pages explaining who they were and what Tandy thought of them and that’s it. They all ended up blurring together (except Driz who I adore). Lastly, I did not like the ending. It was okay, but I felt at 90% mark we were so hyped up but then the ending drop the enthusiasm from a high 8/10 to a sad 4/10. All in all, I did enjoy this book and would rate it a 3.75/5 stars.
One of the few things I felt was missing is more backstory between Princess Tanadelle (AKA Tandy) and the seven princes. It seemed like the princes arrived, we got approximately 2-3 pages explaining who they were and what Tandy thought of them and that’s it. They all ended up blurring together (except Driz who I adore). Lastly, I did not like the ending. It was okay, but I felt at 90% mark we were so hyped up but then the ending drop the enthusiasm from a high 8/10 to a sad 4/10. All in all, I did enjoy this book and would rate it a 3.75/5 stars.
March 22, 2026
Thank you Berkley and Ace for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ARC Review: Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Ya'll this is it - it's my favorite cozy fantasy I've read! It's cozy but there's a plot that kept me engaged and the humor is top notch.
Princess Tanadelle travels throughout the kingdom holding ceremonies, kissing babies, and honestly? She's tired of it. She doesn't know what she wants but she knows this isn't it. When she accidentally gets cursed to not be able to leave a bookshop until she unlocks her heart's desire, she's almost relieved. But her parents are determined to help her break the curse and thinks that the way to do that is to have all the princes of the realm to kiss her, hoping that one of them is her heart's desire. What ensues is a hilarious parade of princes, a pirate who is cursed to be afraid of water, and found family that will make you want to live in this world!
I really just loved everything about this! The cast of characters (including all the princes!) was incredible and so funny and honestly I wouldn't have minded being stuck in the bookshop either! Absolutely a book I recommend picking up for a cozy and low-stakes time.
ARC Review: Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Ya'll this is it - it's my favorite cozy fantasy I've read! It's cozy but there's a plot that kept me engaged and the humor is top notch.
Princess Tanadelle travels throughout the kingdom holding ceremonies, kissing babies, and honestly? She's tired of it. She doesn't know what she wants but she knows this isn't it. When she accidentally gets cursed to not be able to leave a bookshop until she unlocks her heart's desire, she's almost relieved. But her parents are determined to help her break the curse and thinks that the way to do that is to have all the princes of the realm to kiss her, hoping that one of them is her heart's desire. What ensues is a hilarious parade of princes, a pirate who is cursed to be afraid of water, and found family that will make you want to live in this world!
I really just loved everything about this! The cast of characters (including all the princes!) was incredible and so funny and honestly I wouldn't have minded being stuck in the bookshop either! Absolutely a book I recommend picking up for a cozy and low-stakes time.
November 20, 2025
I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with this book!!! The characters are so loveable and interesting even minor characters stand out. The magic was so interesting and the vibes cozy!!
December 3, 2025
It’s a book that isn’t what I would normally read, but glad I did. I devoured the entire book in less than 24 hours
February 19, 2026
2.5*
As expected - cute and cosy.
Stay for a Spell tells the story of book loving, people pleasing princess, Tandy, who accidentally becomes cursed to remain within a book shop until she can find what her heart desires. Her family send what they assume will be the remedy to the curse - a prince’s kiss. Along the way she befriends a cursed pirate and some local teens who end up transforming the shop for her.
To me it was quite obvious what her heart desired but Tandy doesn’t realise.
The book gave me similar vibes to “The Spellshop” as it was the same level of cute but I felt like there was less happening in this story. Although the romance doesn’t dominate the story, I just didn’t really feel any chemistry or tension between pirate Bash and Tandy.
All the way through I felt like I wanted more from the story and more from the characters. Opportunities to dive into the magic system, the characters, the friendships, the romance, the town and the family dynamic felt like they were missed. Everything was just touched upon. Nevertheless, this was an easy and relaxed read that most could enjoy.
Thank you Harper Collins UK and Amy Coombe for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As expected - cute and cosy.
Stay for a Spell tells the story of book loving, people pleasing princess, Tandy, who accidentally becomes cursed to remain within a book shop until she can find what her heart desires. Her family send what they assume will be the remedy to the curse - a prince’s kiss. Along the way she befriends a cursed pirate and some local teens who end up transforming the shop for her.
To me it was quite obvious what her heart desired but Tandy doesn’t realise.
The book gave me similar vibes to “The Spellshop” as it was the same level of cute but I felt like there was less happening in this story. Although the romance doesn’t dominate the story, I just didn’t really feel any chemistry or tension between pirate Bash and Tandy.
All the way through I felt like I wanted more from the story and more from the characters. Opportunities to dive into the magic system, the characters, the friendships, the romance, the town and the family dynamic felt like they were missed. Everything was just touched upon. Nevertheless, this was an easy and relaxed read that most could enjoy.
Thank you Harper Collins UK and Amy Coombe for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
Well this was an absolute delight — I feel like princess lit can go either way and this one just amused the heck out of me. Great characters, from the snarky goth teen dragon to the barn pirate, to the various princes. Greatly enjoyed the vicarious cleaning and arranging of the bookstore. Loved the nonhuman denizens. Loved the theme of heart’s desire. Altogether frothy and delicious.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
January 22, 2026
This was SUCH a cute story. Tons of diversity, a wholesome FMC, a cute little town and bookshop -- everything you need in a whimsical magical tale about a princess that gets cursed to live in a bookshop.
This is going to be a big time fall read. It gave all sorts of cozy + autumnal vibes.
This is going to be a big time fall read. It gave all sorts of cozy + autumnal vibes.
October 15, 2025
Edelweiss arc review: Such a joyful story about fulfilling a duty to yourself and not just others. It has a sweet, cute, and soft atmosphere in a magical world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe is a charming cozy fantasy following a cursed princess who needs to find her heart's desire to break the curse. I adore cozy fantasy with fuzzy vibes, and this book was really everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel.
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar doesn't like being a princess. Most girls dream of being princesses. Not she! As a second-born princess, the duties of the royal family — traveling around the kingdom, kissing babies, cutting ribbons — fall on her, and she is tired of it. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, she enters the local bookstore and unwittingly is cursed to remain there until she unlocks her heart’s desire. But she wonders if it's really that bad. She will have freedom, plenty of books, more reading time, and time to figure out what she wants out of life while running the bookstore and learning to do basic magic.
Her loyal secretary, Honeyrose, goes back to report to her parents and figure out a solution. Her peace and quiet are soon interrupted by a thieving barn pirate — Bash — cursed with a fear of water, a 15-year-old gothic dracone girl — Sasha — and a procession of princes her parents keep sending in hopes of breaking the curse. Add in Bluecaps (a helpful breed of will-o'-the-wisps who know where each book is located) and an illusioned cat, and the bookstore is anything but quiet. After all, what is a bookstore without a cat?? And I am a dog person, at that.
I loved the book immensely. The world-building may be thin — more info about the magic and the races wouldn't go amiss — but it was enough for me. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the banter between them, the slow-burn romance, the exploration of human nature, found family, family relationships, friendships, angst, freedom, and life choices.
Tanadelle/Tandy was too nice, too accommodating, and eager to please, and I am glad she developed a spine and learned to stand up for herself. I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress needing others to save her. I like that she wasn't spoiled and, with the help of Sasha, turned the bookstore around. She was tied to the store, but was freer there than in her previous life. Honeyrose was also delightful, although she wasn't present in most of the tale.
Her mother really irritated me — the way she loaded all the royal duties on her daughter to the point of breaking, failing to see the effect it had on her. I loved the interactions between Tandy and the pirate. It was sweet that he left something in the store for every item he took. His kleptomaniac tendencies did lead him into trouble occasionally, though. I love that each visiting prince was different — but it was a bit odd that the one princess among them was also referred to as prince of the realm.
I found the ending was a bit abrupt. Not all loose ends were satisfactorily tied up — hopefully a sequel is planned which will tie up those ends. Also, a few practical details felt slightly underdeveloped — there was no bath in the living quarters, and the princess seemed to live solely on turnips. I couldn’t help wondering why she couldn’t at least send for food from the inn. I know, it’s nit-picking, but still...
That said, I absolutely recommend it and give it full stars. The pace is steady, and although the plot is relatively simple, it was well written and engaging. Fans of sweet cozy fantasy will fall in love with the characters and the setting. I know I did! I came for the curse, and stayed for the spell.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar doesn't like being a princess. Most girls dream of being princesses. Not she! As a second-born princess, the duties of the royal family — traveling around the kingdom, kissing babies, cutting ribbons — fall on her, and she is tired of it. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, she enters the local bookstore and unwittingly is cursed to remain there until she unlocks her heart’s desire. But she wonders if it's really that bad. She will have freedom, plenty of books, more reading time, and time to figure out what she wants out of life while running the bookstore and learning to do basic magic.
Her loyal secretary, Honeyrose, goes back to report to her parents and figure out a solution. Her peace and quiet are soon interrupted by a thieving barn pirate — Bash — cursed with a fear of water, a 15-year-old gothic dracone girl — Sasha — and a procession of princes her parents keep sending in hopes of breaking the curse. Add in Bluecaps (a helpful breed of will-o'-the-wisps who know where each book is located) and an illusioned cat, and the bookstore is anything but quiet. After all, what is a bookstore without a cat?? And I am a dog person, at that.
I loved the book immensely. The world-building may be thin — more info about the magic and the races wouldn't go amiss — but it was enough for me. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the banter between them, the slow-burn romance, the exploration of human nature, found family, family relationships, friendships, angst, freedom, and life choices.
Tanadelle/Tandy was too nice, too accommodating, and eager to please, and I am glad she developed a spine and learned to stand up for herself. I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress needing others to save her. I like that she wasn't spoiled and, with the help of Sasha, turned the bookstore around. She was tied to the store, but was freer there than in her previous life. Honeyrose was also delightful, although she wasn't present in most of the tale.
Her mother really irritated me — the way she loaded all the royal duties on her daughter to the point of breaking, failing to see the effect it had on her. I loved the interactions between Tandy and the pirate. It was sweet that he left something in the store for every item he took. His kleptomaniac tendencies did lead him into trouble occasionally, though. I love that each visiting prince was different — but it was a bit odd that the one princess among them was also referred to as prince of the realm.
I found the ending was a bit abrupt. Not all loose ends were satisfactorily tied up — hopefully a sequel is planned which will tie up those ends. Also, a few practical details felt slightly underdeveloped — there was no bath in the living quarters, and the princess seemed to live solely on turnips. I couldn’t help wondering why she couldn’t at least send for food from the inn. I know, it’s nit-picking, but still...
That said, I absolutely recommend it and give it full stars. The pace is steady, and although the plot is relatively simple, it was well written and engaging. Fans of sweet cozy fantasy will fall in love with the characters and the setting. I know I did! I came for the curse, and stayed for the spell.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stay for a Spell was an adorable cozy fantasy perfect for late winter and early spring. Tandy is a princess who spends most of her time on the road performing her royal duties of kissing babies, cutting ribbons, and glad-handing the people. A fateful stop in a bookstore for more reading material in her endless travels by carriage lands her in the bookshop permanently. Tandy is cursed to remain there until she finds her heart's desire. At first, it doesn't seem so bad living in a bookshop and having plenty of time to read. But the curse also leaves her worrying what will happen if she can't ever discover what her heart truly wants.
Tandy was immediately an empathetic character for me. She has spent her whole life making others happy and is an avid bookworm. That doesn't mean she is a total pushover. But she has been raised to believe her royal duty trumps seeking her own happiness. I found this to be believable even if someone isn't royalty. As women we are especially prone to being conditioned to always put the interests of others ahead of our own. That isn't always a bad thing and if you're a parent it is often a necessity if you want to keep your offspring alive and happy. I also could appreciate the fact that when she is unable to leave the bookshop she's cursed to stay in, Tandy feels free for the first time in her life. For once, the world's expectations cannot be met and for the large part cannot intrude on her tiny oasis full of books. But as a character she also doesn't spend the next several months resting on her laurels either. Shortly after taking possession of the bookshop, she finds a young teen to hire on as an assistant. Something that gives that teen a purpose and inspires her to help Tandy revamp the bookshop to be more enticing for people to want to explore and shop in. Tandy also attracts the attention of a handsome pirate who is also cursed. One who doesn't steal so much as trade things he wants from her shop.
Bash was a mysterious and very charming love interest for Tandy. But he also proves to be kind beneath his roguishness. The other secondary characters that are sent to Tandy to help break her curse were equally fun and amusing. Her parents decide the best way to get her back to her duties where she belongs is to start sending her princes from across the realms to kiss her. Each one had their own distinctive personalities and interesting kingdom customs. Of course, the only one who can truly break her curse is Tandy herself. But reading on to see if she will have the courage to truly ask for something for herself kept me turning pages, that and the growing attraction and romance between her and Bash the pirate. I also loved the way the whole story eventually ends.
If you love cozy fantasies in a similar vein to stories like The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst or Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz then you will love Stay for a Spell.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for this honest review. Any opinions offered here are completely my own.
Tandy was immediately an empathetic character for me. She has spent her whole life making others happy and is an avid bookworm. That doesn't mean she is a total pushover. But she has been raised to believe her royal duty trumps seeking her own happiness. I found this to be believable even if someone isn't royalty. As women we are especially prone to being conditioned to always put the interests of others ahead of our own. That isn't always a bad thing and if you're a parent it is often a necessity if you want to keep your offspring alive and happy. I also could appreciate the fact that when she is unable to leave the bookshop she's cursed to stay in, Tandy feels free for the first time in her life. For once, the world's expectations cannot be met and for the large part cannot intrude on her tiny oasis full of books. But as a character she also doesn't spend the next several months resting on her laurels either. Shortly after taking possession of the bookshop, she finds a young teen to hire on as an assistant. Something that gives that teen a purpose and inspires her to help Tandy revamp the bookshop to be more enticing for people to want to explore and shop in. Tandy also attracts the attention of a handsome pirate who is also cursed. One who doesn't steal so much as trade things he wants from her shop.
Bash was a mysterious and very charming love interest for Tandy. But he also proves to be kind beneath his roguishness. The other secondary characters that are sent to Tandy to help break her curse were equally fun and amusing. Her parents decide the best way to get her back to her duties where she belongs is to start sending her princes from across the realms to kiss her. Each one had their own distinctive personalities and interesting kingdom customs. Of course, the only one who can truly break her curse is Tandy herself. But reading on to see if she will have the courage to truly ask for something for herself kept me turning pages, that and the growing attraction and romance between her and Bash the pirate. I also loved the way the whole story eventually ends.
If you love cozy fantasies in a similar vein to stories like The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst or Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz then you will love Stay for a Spell.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for this honest review. Any opinions offered here are completely my own.
March 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Katie Ferraro of Berkeley/Penguin Random House’s publicity department for sending me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would give this book a 3.75. It starts out a little…cringey? for lack of a better word—like the author was trying too hard to get us to love Tandy as much as possible as soon as possible. BUT! Once the curse takes effect, the book really takes off, and I ended up really enjoying it, which is why I rounded up to 4 stars.
This is a very cute cozy fantasy that makes for a quick and enjoyable read for anyone who even thinks they might like cozy fantasies but hasn’t read one yet.
One criticism I have is that, while I know it wasn’t the point of the story, I wish we’d gotten to know the seven princes better. They serve as a great comedic foil to the (only slightly more) serious curse plot line, but some of the princes’ personalities came across as very similar. I wish they’d been more than just one note characters. I also wish we’d learned more about where the princes came from. Ex: a big deal is made about the final prince’s culture and customs, but since it’s sort of played for laughs (and why are we laughing at someone else’s culture??) it’s a bit confusing as to why what they do is such a big deal. Like, why include that in the book if you’re going to 1) not explain the reasons behind their customs and then 2) have your other characters laugh and talk about how weird they are. That was just really odd.
Another odd thing—why is the heir to each land called a prince regardless of gender? If it’s a title, then why was Tandy’s mom made a queen when she ascended the throne at 16? She goes from being a Prince of the Realm to Queen of the Realm, a “title” to a gendered title. Why wasn’t she called a King? If the mayor of a town is the Lord Mayor regardless of gender, then why the switch when going from prince to queen? It’s never explained which made me wonder why it was a thing in the first place. (The pessimistic side of me says it was so that a female prince could be included to come kiss Tandy to try and break the curse because why was that the “hottest kiss” according to the other characters?? This book isn’t written for the male gaze but that scene came across as very much so. Like, the difference between how the males kissed Tandy vs how the female prince kissed her were very different description- and tone-wise. I don’t know what my point is here, just that I wish the gender aspect of this world had been better explained.)
Anyway, it was a cute book, and I’d love it to be a series so we could see a more developed world. (Side note: this book would make a good miniseries with Tandy and Bash falling for each other amidst all of the other princes’ shenanigans.)
I would give this book a 3.75. It starts out a little…cringey? for lack of a better word—like the author was trying too hard to get us to love Tandy as much as possible as soon as possible. BUT! Once the curse takes effect, the book really takes off, and I ended up really enjoying it, which is why I rounded up to 4 stars.
This is a very cute cozy fantasy that makes for a quick and enjoyable read for anyone who even thinks they might like cozy fantasies but hasn’t read one yet.
One criticism I have is that, while I know it wasn’t the point of the story, I wish we’d gotten to know the seven princes better. They serve as a great comedic foil to the (only slightly more) serious curse plot line, but some of the princes’ personalities came across as very similar. I wish they’d been more than just one note characters. I also wish we’d learned more about where the princes came from. Ex: a big deal is made about the final prince’s culture and customs, but since it’s sort of played for laughs (and why are we laughing at someone else’s culture??) it’s a bit confusing as to why what they do is such a big deal. Like, why include that in the book if you’re going to 1) not explain the reasons behind their customs and then 2) have your other characters laugh and talk about how weird they are. That was just really odd.
Another odd thing—why is the heir to each land called a prince regardless of gender? If it’s a title, then why was Tandy’s mom made a queen when she ascended the throne at 16? She goes from being a Prince of the Realm to Queen of the Realm, a “title” to a gendered title. Why wasn’t she called a King? If the mayor of a town is the Lord Mayor regardless of gender, then why the switch when going from prince to queen? It’s never explained which made me wonder why it was a thing in the first place. (The pessimistic side of me says it was so that a female prince could be included to come kiss Tandy to try and break the curse because why was that the “hottest kiss” according to the other characters?? This book isn’t written for the male gaze but that scene came across as very much so. Like, the difference between how the males kissed Tandy vs how the female prince kissed her were very different description- and tone-wise. I don’t know what my point is here, just that I wish the gender aspect of this world had been better explained.)
Anyway, it was a cute book, and I’d love it to be a series so we could see a more developed world. (Side note: this book would make a good miniseries with Tandy and Bash falling for each other amidst all of the other princes’ shenanigans.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have a soft spot for the absurdity of the royal "duty" narrative, that ancient grind where a woman is essentially a decorative placeholder for state stability. In Stay for a Spell, Tandy is a princess who finds herself quite literally stuck in a bookstore due to a curse. It is a wonderfully literal metaphor for the introverted dream. Most fairy tales treat the "cursed" isolation as a tragedy, but Coombe understands the quiet joy of being left alone with a pile of paper and no one to impress. Tandy is delightful because she is genuinely exhausted by the performative nature of her life.
Then there is the pirate. He is irritating, of course, because men in these stories always are when they interfere with a good reading session. Their friction feels grounded, less like a polished cinematic romance and more like the messy reality of two people occupying the same cramped space. The pirate represents the unpredictable world outside the palace walls, a bit grubby and entirely uninterested in her pedigree. It is a refreshing shift from the sanitized suitors her parents keep throwing at her like desperate sales pitches.
Those princes are the true comedy of the piece. They arrive with their rehearsed kisses and their absolute certainty that they are the solution to a problem they don't understand. It reminds me of the way modern society still tries to "fix" women who choose a different path, assuming a lack of traditional domesticity or a husband is a puzzle to be solved. Coombe mocks this beautifully. The tension isn't about whether she will be saved, but whether she can convince the world she doesn't need saving.
The writing is crisp and lacks that annoying, flowery "fantasy" fog that often ruins these books. It is direct and observational. I appreciated that the bookstore felt like a real place, dusty and chaotic, rather than a stylized stage set. It’s a book about the labor of finding oneself when the world has already written your script. My only minor complaint is that I wanted even more of the grubby details of the bookstore trade; the mundane reality of stock and dust is far more interesting than royal balls.
Ultimately, this is a sharp look at autonomy. It asks what we actually want when the cameras are off and the parents are out of the room. It’s cozy, yes, but with a backbone. If you have ever felt like a prop in your own life, you will find a kindred spirit in Tandy. It made me want to lock my own door and ignore the world for a week.
3.5/5
Then there is the pirate. He is irritating, of course, because men in these stories always are when they interfere with a good reading session. Their friction feels grounded, less like a polished cinematic romance and more like the messy reality of two people occupying the same cramped space. The pirate represents the unpredictable world outside the palace walls, a bit grubby and entirely uninterested in her pedigree. It is a refreshing shift from the sanitized suitors her parents keep throwing at her like desperate sales pitches.
Those princes are the true comedy of the piece. They arrive with their rehearsed kisses and their absolute certainty that they are the solution to a problem they don't understand. It reminds me of the way modern society still tries to "fix" women who choose a different path, assuming a lack of traditional domesticity or a husband is a puzzle to be solved. Coombe mocks this beautifully. The tension isn't about whether she will be saved, but whether she can convince the world she doesn't need saving.
The writing is crisp and lacks that annoying, flowery "fantasy" fog that often ruins these books. It is direct and observational. I appreciated that the bookstore felt like a real place, dusty and chaotic, rather than a stylized stage set. It’s a book about the labor of finding oneself when the world has already written your script. My only minor complaint is that I wanted even more of the grubby details of the bookstore trade; the mundane reality of stock and dust is far more interesting than royal balls.
Ultimately, this is a sharp look at autonomy. It asks what we actually want when the cameras are off and the parents are out of the room. It’s cozy, yes, but with a backbone. If you have ever felt like a prop in your own life, you will find a kindred spirit in Tandy. It made me want to lock my own door and ignore the world for a week.
3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so much fun that I want to go back and read it all over again. The characters were really well-done, as was the world building. I was a little confused at first about women being "princes" but kind of understood it toward the end. Tandy (Tanadelle) is a princess because she's not first in line for the throne. Her sister, who is first in line, is a prince. Tandy spends her life going from one town to another cutting ribbons, kissing babies, attending everything her parents send her to. Her secretary, Honeyrose, is her best friend, but answers to the Crown (Tandy's parents). While attending another event at a small town in the middle of nowhere, Tandy is bored and wants a book to read so she goes to the local bookstore and meets an elderly woman. When Tandy goes back the next morning for another book, the old woman gives her a key and curses her by telling her she won't be able to leave until the curse is broken and she finds her heart's desire.
And thus begins her new life. When her parents find out, they start sending the seven princes from surrounding realms because the kiss from true love can break a curse and of course, a prince's kiss is the most potent. Tandy settles into her new life with a bit of reluctance, but also glee. Except the bookstore is a mess. When a morose teenager shows up, Tandy hires her to help clean up the place. They spend the next few months turning the mess into a sparkling bookstore. Oh, and there's also a cursed pirate who shows up and makes a nuisance of himself. And seven princes. And a cat who looks to be one place, but is actually another. And so much more.
Tandy is a good character who is coming into herself as she learns about being a regular person and not just a princess. The pirate is a hoot. He steals stuff, but then leaves something in exchange (like a seashell for a cobweb). And Sasha (the teenage assistant) is amazing. I love how she breaks down in front of her parents, but then stands up for herself. She has grown a lot since taking over the bookstore. It's a fun story I couldn't put down with an ending that satisfies.
Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
And thus begins her new life. When her parents find out, they start sending the seven princes from surrounding realms because the kiss from true love can break a curse and of course, a prince's kiss is the most potent. Tandy settles into her new life with a bit of reluctance, but also glee. Except the bookstore is a mess. When a morose teenager shows up, Tandy hires her to help clean up the place. They spend the next few months turning the mess into a sparkling bookstore. Oh, and there's also a cursed pirate who shows up and makes a nuisance of himself. And seven princes. And a cat who looks to be one place, but is actually another. And so much more.
Tandy is a good character who is coming into herself as she learns about being a regular person and not just a princess. The pirate is a hoot. He steals stuff, but then leaves something in exchange (like a seashell for a cobweb). And Sasha (the teenage assistant) is amazing. I love how she breaks down in front of her parents, but then stands up for herself. She has grown a lot since taking over the bookstore. It's a fun story I couldn't put down with an ending that satisfies.
Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of Stay for a Spell. I'm rating it 3.5 stars.
Stay for a Spell is a charming fairy-tale-esque novel with a truly delightful concept. Who wouldn't want to have be spelled into staying in a multi-storey bookshop with a magical cat, an enchanting garden, several spell books and magical helpers, a sweet but gloomy teenage assistant with a crush of her own to work through, and a sexy flirtatious pirate?
There were several things I really liked about this novel: all the magical concepts, the queer-normative world, the way every character feels distinctive, and the relationship between the princess and the pirate (especially in the last half of the book).
But all the same, I didn't find the book to be quite as magical as I was hoping for. This may be a "me" problem! But it felt a little shallow to me, particularly in terms of worldbuilding and characters' emotions. I also wish we'd got more physical description of the magical non-human characters as I just couldn't work out what they were meant to look like. And I really didn't like the importance of "love at first sight" being supposedly true. This probably won't be true for all readers, but that made me cringe.
I know most cosy fantasies aren't meant to be taken too seriously, but I just didn't believe that our main character was either a princess or successfully running a bookshop. She felt more like a portal fantasy MC, a regular person from our world plonked into this one. As for how she runs the bookshop, there were so many holes in the book's logic that it kept breaking my immersion.
We're also told multiple times throughout the novel that our princess is "too good" and does things she doesn't want to because everybody knows she'll agree to it. Honestly, as a princess, she felt to me more like the coworker who should have quit long ago, and so they do the bare minimum work. I'm glad that she learned to stop being passive and do what she wants, but I rolled my eyes whenever anyone said her problem was that she was too good. She was a terrible princess!
Still, these are all minor issues. I still think this book was a nice read. If you're looking for a charming, turn-your-brain-off, fluffy rom-com where you're not supposed to think too much about how the world works, then Stay for a Spell could be a great choice.
Stay for a Spell is a charming fairy-tale-esque novel with a truly delightful concept. Who wouldn't want to have be spelled into staying in a multi-storey bookshop with a magical cat, an enchanting garden, several spell books and magical helpers, a sweet but gloomy teenage assistant with a crush of her own to work through, and a sexy flirtatious pirate?
There were several things I really liked about this novel: all the magical concepts, the queer-normative world, the way every character feels distinctive, and the relationship between the princess and the pirate (especially in the last half of the book).
But all the same, I didn't find the book to be quite as magical as I was hoping for. This may be a "me" problem! But it felt a little shallow to me, particularly in terms of worldbuilding and characters' emotions. I also wish we'd got more physical description of the magical non-human characters as I just couldn't work out what they were meant to look like. And I really didn't like the importance of "love at first sight" being supposedly true. This probably won't be true for all readers, but that made me cringe.
I know most cosy fantasies aren't meant to be taken too seriously, but I just didn't believe that our main character was either a princess or successfully running a bookshop. She felt more like a portal fantasy MC, a regular person from our world plonked into this one. As for how she runs the bookshop, there were so many holes in the book's logic that it kept breaking my immersion.
We're also told multiple times throughout the novel that our princess is "too good" and does things she doesn't want to because everybody knows she'll agree to it. Honestly, as a princess, she felt to me more like the coworker who should have quit long ago, and so they do the bare minimum work. I'm glad that she learned to stop being passive and do what she wants, but I rolled my eyes whenever anyone said her problem was that she was too good. She was a terrible princess!
Still, these are all minor issues. I still think this book was a nice read. If you're looking for a charming, turn-your-brain-off, fluffy rom-com where you're not supposed to think too much about how the world works, then Stay for a Spell could be a great choice.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for the earc!
Right after I finished the arc I went and preordered a physical copy. I think that says everything that needs to be said about my relationship with this book! Okay, but seriously I loved it. It was the coziest cozy fantasy I’ve ever read.
Randy is a princess, who’s actually really tired of being one. She’s on a Royal tour, but run out of reading materials, so when she sees a bookshop, she immediately dives in. The next morning she returns, but gets cursed by the old woman. She can’t leave the building until she finds what her heart desires. And now starts a story with 7 princes, a pirate, a teenager and a princess who has to figure out what to do.
Absolutely loved every second. I was reading it on my commute, so I think people must have thought I was crazy for smiling like an idiot at 6:30 am. But I couldn’t help, it was just so entertaining. Loved how Tandy knew one by one the princes will turn up, and there’s nothing she could do to stop them. But the princes, they were amazing. I loved how they had to stay at the inn, because in no way would (or could, as some were told by their parents) any of them leave sooner than the others. I lowkey need a companion novel to know what happened during their stay.
I loved Tandy’s character so much. She was a princess, who was used to do what others told her, and suddenly she found herself cursed. And free. Loved the way she got more confident over her life.
And Bash, our resident pirate (or as the locals call him, Barn Pirate). Loved him. He was definitely irritating Tandy as much as possible, but their banter was fantastic. He was also cursed, and let me tell you, I was expecting something similar when he said he left something in exchange for the books he stole during their first meeting.
The only thing that confused me was one part of the world-building, titles. I’m the town there was a Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s husband. No one bats an eye on these anymore, so I didn’t question it. Until Sasha, their daughter, said mom. What mom, I thought you had 2 dads. Well, turns out titles are titles regardless of gender, so Lord Mayor was a woman. And this is when Tandy’s sister is a Prince, and why one of the 7 princes was also a woman.
Overall, if you love books, cozy fantasy, curses and a magical cat, read Stay for a Spell asap!
Right after I finished the arc I went and preordered a physical copy. I think that says everything that needs to be said about my relationship with this book! Okay, but seriously I loved it. It was the coziest cozy fantasy I’ve ever read.
Randy is a princess, who’s actually really tired of being one. She’s on a Royal tour, but run out of reading materials, so when she sees a bookshop, she immediately dives in. The next morning she returns, but gets cursed by the old woman. She can’t leave the building until she finds what her heart desires. And now starts a story with 7 princes, a pirate, a teenager and a princess who has to figure out what to do.
Absolutely loved every second. I was reading it on my commute, so I think people must have thought I was crazy for smiling like an idiot at 6:30 am. But I couldn’t help, it was just so entertaining. Loved how Tandy knew one by one the princes will turn up, and there’s nothing she could do to stop them. But the princes, they were amazing. I loved how they had to stay at the inn, because in no way would (or could, as some were told by their parents) any of them leave sooner than the others. I lowkey need a companion novel to know what happened during their stay.
I loved Tandy’s character so much. She was a princess, who was used to do what others told her, and suddenly she found herself cursed. And free. Loved the way she got more confident over her life.
And Bash, our resident pirate (or as the locals call him, Barn Pirate). Loved him. He was definitely irritating Tandy as much as possible, but their banter was fantastic. He was also cursed, and let me tell you, I was expecting something similar when he said he left something in exchange for the books he stole during their first meeting.
The only thing that confused me was one part of the world-building, titles. I’m the town there was a Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s husband. No one bats an eye on these anymore, so I didn’t question it. Until Sasha, their daughter, said mom. What mom, I thought you had 2 dads. Well, turns out titles are titles regardless of gender, so Lord Mayor was a woman. And this is when Tandy’s sister is a Prince, and why one of the 7 princes was also a woman.
Overall, if you love books, cozy fantasy, curses and a magical cat, read Stay for a Spell asap!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews