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Under His Spell
Emily Hartwell doesn’t believe in fairy tales. As an out of work archaeologist with a passion for the dead and the forgotten, she’s used to stepping into strangers’ lives to make sense of what they’ve left behind. But when she takes a job cataloging the private library at Moore Manor, she isn’t prepared for the man who lives in its shadows.
Devlin Moore is cold, commanding, and untouchable. Wealth drips from his family name, but so does darkness. The estate is steeped in secrets and sorrow, and Devlin guards both with a brooding visage and a brutal temper. Only the longer Emily works in his home, the more she uncovers.
As the chemistry between them ignites, Emily finds herself caught in a firestorm of desire, deception, and deadly secrets, and Devlin is forced to come face to face with the darkness inside of him.
In his shadows, she’s the only light.
Perfect for fans of modern gothic romance, Under His Spell is a steamy, emotionally intense love story inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast—with a darkly seductive twist.
Devlin Moore is cold, commanding, and untouchable. Wealth drips from his family name, but so does darkness. The estate is steeped in secrets and sorrow, and Devlin guards both with a brooding visage and a brutal temper. Only the longer Emily works in his home, the more she uncovers.
As the chemistry between them ignites, Emily finds herself caught in a firestorm of desire, deception, and deadly secrets, and Devlin is forced to come face to face with the darkness inside of him.
In his shadows, she’s the only light.
Perfect for fans of modern gothic romance, Under His Spell is a steamy, emotionally intense love story inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast—with a darkly seductive twist.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
About the author
Selena Collins
6 books12 followersSelena Collins is a romance author who likes her characters strong and her happily ever afters spicy.
Her work often includes the fantastical, dark, macabre, or paranormal, making for sensual stories with a dash of “other.”
She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her children and their zoo of pets. In her spare time, she makes silly videos on the internet, takes all of her hobbies to 11, and reads voraciously.
To go behind the scenes, stalk her social media (in a non-creepy way, of course), or read more books by Selena, visit selenacollins.com.
Her work often includes the fantastical, dark, macabre, or paranormal, making for sensual stories with a dash of “other.”
She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her children and their zoo of pets. In her spare time, she makes silly videos on the internet, takes all of her hobbies to 11, and reads voraciously.
To go behind the scenes, stalk her social media (in a non-creepy way, of course), or read more books by Selena, visit selenacollins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This was my introduction to this author. The artwork caught my eye and I'm a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings. It was a quick read, print length is only 133 pages, so it was a perfect story to bring me out of my reading slump. I like that throughout, I wasn’t quite sure if it was a paranormal read or not (it's not). I thought it was easy to follow.
🌹 Forced Proximity
🖤 Billionaire
🌹 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Reluctant love
🌹 Morally grey hero
🖤 Obsessive/possessive MMC
🌹 He would burn down he world for her
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
This was my introduction to this author. The artwork caught my eye and I'm a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings. It was a quick read, print length is only 133 pages, so it was a perfect story to bring me out of my reading slump. I like that throughout, I wasn’t quite sure if it was a paranormal read or not (it's not). I thought it was easy to follow.
🌹 Forced Proximity
🖤 Billionaire
🌹 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Reluctant love
🌹 Morally grey hero
🖤 Obsessive/possessive MMC
🌹 He would burn down he world for her
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
August 6, 2025
Mild Spoiler Alert ahead!
Have you ever come across a book that had a fantastic description on the back, so you just had to pick it up, set aside your TBR which is currently glaring at you and judging your current life choices and you instantly start your newest bookshelf trophy?
Hi! That's 🙋♀️
While the description of the book sounded right up my alley, after reading it.....I have questions? First off, the pov change from the FMC to the MMC and vice versa, at the drop of a hat. One second the FMC is thinking or talking to the MMC and then all of a sudden it's the MMC's pov. I was thrown for a loop. Plus it takes you a couple of sentences to realize it's changed. At this point, you're confused, realize what happened, and have to go back and reread those sentences from the correct pov. It's exhausting attempting to keep up with the bipolar pov battle. Read it! Trust me, once you get to a paragraph that does this, you'll see what I mean.
Next, I wish there had been more depth to the story. Parts of it just fell flat. No real backstory for what is currently happening in the book. No flashbacks or details. I need more context there bud. One second the MMC and FMC are talking at dinner and then they're pulling up to her house. It didn't feel like it was an organic scene change.
I really thought this book was going to end on a cliffhanger. The writing was setting it up and then, poof, it's over. The last few chapters felt rushed to pack in as many events as possible. 😶......
Give the book a chance, maybe you'll feel completely different than I do. Please don't let me put a stop to your curiosity for this book.
It was good but I really wish there was a ton more detail. I still have no idea what the criminal enterprise head, sharp-dressed man, does. Is he in the Mob? Mafia? What does he do? I finished the book and I STILL DON'T KNOW!!!! What happened to his family? How did he let down his sister? Who are the twins? I have so many questions and no answers.
Oh and BTW there is a "bonus epilogue" but when you go onto the authors site to download it, the bonus content section is blank. Nothing's in there.
I don't like giving bad reviews. I love seeing new authors thrive after releasing their first book. Unfortunately for me, this book just isn't one of those.
I look forward to seeing what this author writes next. I can see her potential and I want to see her succeed 1000%. It's hard to put yourself out there and show the world what is inside yourself. Im sticking around to see what she releases next.
Have you ever come across a book that had a fantastic description on the back, so you just had to pick it up, set aside your TBR which is currently glaring at you and judging your current life choices and you instantly start your newest bookshelf trophy?
Hi! That's 🙋♀️
While the description of the book sounded right up my alley, after reading it.....I have questions? First off, the pov change from the FMC to the MMC and vice versa, at the drop of a hat. One second the FMC is thinking or talking to the MMC and then all of a sudden it's the MMC's pov. I was thrown for a loop. Plus it takes you a couple of sentences to realize it's changed. At this point, you're confused, realize what happened, and have to go back and reread those sentences from the correct pov. It's exhausting attempting to keep up with the bipolar pov battle. Read it! Trust me, once you get to a paragraph that does this, you'll see what I mean.
Next, I wish there had been more depth to the story. Parts of it just fell flat. No real backstory for what is currently happening in the book. No flashbacks or details. I need more context there bud. One second the MMC and FMC are talking at dinner and then they're pulling up to her house. It didn't feel like it was an organic scene change.
I really thought this book was going to end on a cliffhanger. The writing was setting it up and then, poof, it's over. The last few chapters felt rushed to pack in as many events as possible. 😶......
Give the book a chance, maybe you'll feel completely different than I do. Please don't let me put a stop to your curiosity for this book.
It was good but I really wish there was a ton more detail. I still have no idea what the criminal enterprise head, sharp-dressed man, does. Is he in the Mob? Mafia? What does he do? I finished the book and I STILL DON'T KNOW!!!! What happened to his family? How did he let down his sister? Who are the twins? I have so many questions and no answers.
Oh and BTW there is a "bonus epilogue" but when you go onto the authors site to download it, the bonus content section is blank. Nothing's in there.
I don't like giving bad reviews. I love seeing new authors thrive after releasing their first book. Unfortunately for me, this book just isn't one of those.
I look forward to seeing what this author writes next. I can see her potential and I want to see her succeed 1000%. It's hard to put yourself out there and show the world what is inside yourself. Im sticking around to see what she releases next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2026
Well, I stumbled across this novella while looking for something light and easy to read, and… it certainly served its purpose. It’s light. The writing is very beautiful, easy to understand, and wonderfully sensory. There are also different points of view, which I personally found quite interesting.
Since this is a dark version of Beauty and the Beast, yes, we get a gorgeous library, and we spend most of the story there. The atmosphere is lovely: gothic, with an archaic touch that I found rather charming.
As for the characters… our protagonist, hehe. I did feel like she became attached to her boss almost immediately? I mean… it can happen, right? Personally, I thought the progression between the two of them was very fast. One minute they don’t know each other, and the next the man is basically saying, “You’re mine.” 🤣 But hey, I suppose there are people like that?
Spoiler ahead!
There is a scene involving physical abuse, so do keep that in mind. This is a dark romance, so complicated and unhealthy relationships are obviously part of the territory. But personally, if a man ever raises a hand to me, he’s waking up without a penis. Literally.
What I found a little jarring was going from a scene where he completely despises her to him coming to save her, followed by him basically telling her that he needs her. Those two need therapy before they even think about being together.
I actually enjoy toxic and dark characters, especially when, despite their wounds and flaws, they somehow manage to heal each other. I didn’t quite feel that happened here. That said, I also understand that this is a novella, so there simply isn’t as much room for deep character development.
Overall, it was entertaining, and as I said at the beginning, it did exactly what I wanted it to do: give me something light and easy to read when I needed a break. If you’re looking for deeply developed characters and a slow, carefully built relationship, I don’t think you’ll find much of that here. But if you want a short, gothic, dark romance with a beautiful setting, it’s a fun little read.
Since this is a dark version of Beauty and the Beast, yes, we get a gorgeous library, and we spend most of the story there. The atmosphere is lovely: gothic, with an archaic touch that I found rather charming.
As for the characters… our protagonist, hehe. I did feel like she became attached to her boss almost immediately? I mean… it can happen, right? Personally, I thought the progression between the two of them was very fast. One minute they don’t know each other, and the next the man is basically saying, “You’re mine.” 🤣 But hey, I suppose there are people like that?
Spoiler ahead!
There is a scene involving physical abuse, so do keep that in mind. This is a dark romance, so complicated and unhealthy relationships are obviously part of the territory. But personally, if a man ever raises a hand to me, he’s waking up without a penis. Literally.
What I found a little jarring was going from a scene where he completely despises her to him coming to save her, followed by him basically telling her that he needs her. Those two need therapy before they even think about being together.
I actually enjoy toxic and dark characters, especially when, despite their wounds and flaws, they somehow manage to heal each other. I didn’t quite feel that happened here. That said, I also understand that this is a novella, so there simply isn’t as much room for deep character development.
Overall, it was entertaining, and as I said at the beginning, it did exactly what I wanted it to do: give me something light and easy to read when I needed a break. If you’re looking for deeply developed characters and a slow, carefully built relationship, I don’t think you’ll find much of that here. But if you want a short, gothic, dark romance with a beautiful setting, it’s a fun little read.
August 7, 2025
Under His Spell by Selena Collins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This one is hard to review. It was a Beauty And The Beast retelling novella. My biggest thing is I feel like the book needed to be longer. There is supposed to be this mystery/family tragedy/legacy around Devlin that Emily was supposed to be trying to figure out/work through. I felt it needed more time of her exploring the mansion going through the library and finding little pieces trying to put it together. I feel like if we had that it would have been more tense and we would have been wanting to know what the big secret was. Also if there was more time with Emily and Devlin just being together, little conversations here and there we would have felt the connection between them more. The novella is told in 3rd person pov which I normally don't mind but in this novella I found that we bounced around whose thoughts we had. The book started with Emily's thoughts (in 3rd person) then it switched to Devlin's thoughts (in 3rd person) and then there would be points that we would be getting both of thier thoughts (in 3rd person). This made it confusing because it was hard to tell if it was Emily's thoughts or just what Devlin thought Emily was thinking and vice versa. There was 2 points in the novella where either sentences or an almost complete scene was taken from the animated movie Beauty and The Beast almost verbatim which took me right out of the book and shoved me into the movie. Finally the reveal of his family legacy was not very exciting or entirely unexpected. Also you dont really get any answers about his family or the trauma he has gone through. You just kinda assume what happened. The book has good bones I think it would have been better as a full length book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This one is hard to review. It was a Beauty And The Beast retelling novella. My biggest thing is I feel like the book needed to be longer. There is supposed to be this mystery/family tragedy/legacy around Devlin that Emily was supposed to be trying to figure out/work through. I felt it needed more time of her exploring the mansion going through the library and finding little pieces trying to put it together. I feel like if we had that it would have been more tense and we would have been wanting to know what the big secret was. Also if there was more time with Emily and Devlin just being together, little conversations here and there we would have felt the connection between them more. The novella is told in 3rd person pov which I normally don't mind but in this novella I found that we bounced around whose thoughts we had. The book started with Emily's thoughts (in 3rd person) then it switched to Devlin's thoughts (in 3rd person) and then there would be points that we would be getting both of thier thoughts (in 3rd person). This made it confusing because it was hard to tell if it was Emily's thoughts or just what Devlin thought Emily was thinking and vice versa. There was 2 points in the novella where either sentences or an almost complete scene was taken from the animated movie Beauty and The Beast almost verbatim which took me right out of the book and shoved me into the movie. Finally the reveal of his family legacy was not very exciting or entirely unexpected. Also you dont really get any answers about his family or the trauma he has gone through. You just kinda assume what happened. The book has good bones I think it would have been better as a full length book.
August 5, 2025
I Finished It!
Okay, so Selena Collins is a new to me author that I found on social media. I saw the character art she drew for this story, read the tropes and the blurb, and was interested in reading it. It’s also inspired by Beauty and the Beast and I am all about the library and the Beast.
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Modern gothic romance vibes
🖤 Obsessive/possessive MC's
🖤 Billionaire
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Power imbalances
🖤 Morally grey
🖤 Mysterious libraries and family secrets
I will say that all the elements the author listed are in this book. It is a short story at only 133 pages, so scenes aren’t as fully detailed as they would be in a longer book.
The B&B inspirations shows in the large library, many roomed home, and the brooding MMC. There are things about his family that we never get the full details about, just hints here and there. I would have liked to have been able to see more about what made Devlin the way he is in the story. The MCs would have an interaction in the story and then it would be days or weeks later on the next page. The time transitions would be mentioned after I would question if time had passed.
If that list contains items you are interested in reading, this could be your next top read. For me, it gets my baseline of three stars because I finished it. As I mentioned, this is my first book by this author. I think she has a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing what her future holds.
Okay, so Selena Collins is a new to me author that I found on social media. I saw the character art she drew for this story, read the tropes and the blurb, and was interested in reading it. It’s also inspired by Beauty and the Beast and I am all about the library and the Beast.
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Modern gothic romance vibes
🖤 Obsessive/possessive MC's
🖤 Billionaire
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Power imbalances
🖤 Morally grey
🖤 Mysterious libraries and family secrets
I will say that all the elements the author listed are in this book. It is a short story at only 133 pages, so scenes aren’t as fully detailed as they would be in a longer book.
The B&B inspirations shows in the large library, many roomed home, and the brooding MMC. There are things about his family that we never get the full details about, just hints here and there. I would have liked to have been able to see more about what made Devlin the way he is in the story. The MCs would have an interaction in the story and then it would be days or weeks later on the next page. The time transitions would be mentioned after I would question if time had passed.
If that list contains items you are interested in reading, this could be your next top read. For me, it gets my baseline of three stars because I finished it. As I mentioned, this is my first book by this author. I think she has a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing what her future holds.
August 3, 2025
Under His Spell is a captivating romance that intertwines themes of family legacy, personal growth, and the complexities of love. The story follows Emily Hartwell, a scholar tasked with organizing the remnants of the enigmatic Devlin Moore’s family estate. As she delves into the past, she uncovers not only the history of the Moore family but also the emotional barriers Devlin has erected around himself.
Emily and Devlin are well-crafted characters whose struggles and desires feel authentic. Their chemistry is palpable, making their interactions both tense and electric.
The mansion serves as a character in its own right, with its rich history and haunting presence enhancing the story’s emotional depth.
The balance of romance and mystery keeps readers invested, with twists that maintain suspense throughout the narrative.
At times, the pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the focus shifts from romance to family drama.
Some choices made by characters may frustrate readers, especially regarding communication and conflict resolution.
Overall, Under His Spell is an intriguing read that beautifully explores the intersection of love and personal demons, making it a worthwhile addition to the romance genre. Fans of emotional and character-driven stories will find much to enjoy here.
Emily and Devlin are well-crafted characters whose struggles and desires feel authentic. Their chemistry is palpable, making their interactions both tense and electric.
The mansion serves as a character in its own right, with its rich history and haunting presence enhancing the story’s emotional depth.
The balance of romance and mystery keeps readers invested, with twists that maintain suspense throughout the narrative.
At times, the pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the focus shifts from romance to family drama.
Some choices made by characters may frustrate readers, especially regarding communication and conflict resolution.
Overall, Under His Spell is an intriguing read that beautifully explores the intersection of love and personal demons, making it a worthwhile addition to the romance genre. Fans of emotional and character-driven stories will find much to enjoy here.
August 9, 2025
Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Under His Spell!!
This book is about an archaeologist named Emily Hartwell who accepts a job organizing the ancestral home of mysterious Devlin Moore.
Right out the gate, I was sucked in by the way the author sets the tone with the eager academic, spooky, gothic style castle, and dark, brooding recluse. I was invested in their storyline and couldn’t wait to see how the Beauty and the Beast story was going to be told through Emily and Devlin.
As much as I loved the tone and both the garden scene and the forbidden room scene, I wanted MORE. For instance, we know that Devlin’s family existed but not really what happened to them or whether it had anything to do with the twins. We know nothing about the contract, nothing about his work, nothing about her life or her family other than the little we know about her father. Even his assistant pops up out of nowhere and then seems to disappear.
I loved the premise and I’ve found another book by Selena Collins that I want to read and I can genuinely say I’d read this one again. I just left wanting more. More of them, more of their individual stories and more of them falling in love with who they are as people.
This book is about an archaeologist named Emily Hartwell who accepts a job organizing the ancestral home of mysterious Devlin Moore.
Right out the gate, I was sucked in by the way the author sets the tone with the eager academic, spooky, gothic style castle, and dark, brooding recluse. I was invested in their storyline and couldn’t wait to see how the Beauty and the Beast story was going to be told through Emily and Devlin.
As much as I loved the tone and both the garden scene and the forbidden room scene, I wanted MORE. For instance, we know that Devlin’s family existed but not really what happened to them or whether it had anything to do with the twins. We know nothing about the contract, nothing about his work, nothing about her life or her family other than the little we know about her father. Even his assistant pops up out of nowhere and then seems to disappear.
I loved the premise and I’ve found another book by Selena Collins that I want to read and I can genuinely say I’d read this one again. I just left wanting more. More of them, more of their individual stories and more of them falling in love with who they are as people.
August 17, 2025
This book was not at all what I was expecting and not at all for me. The writing was adequate but the characters just didn’t make sense. It was hard to fathom why someone with Emily’s qualifications would be working as a glorified organizer and the instructions she was given for the job were practically nonexistent. Meanwhile, Devlin was just a jerk. He was supposed to be this dark and mysterious man, a mafioso we eventually learn, but it all felt a little like he was just a one-dimensional character. The times when the two of them interact don’t give off any chemistry or even slight attraction. And don’t get me started on Devlin claiming Emily was “his” only to push her away and then demand she was “his” again. Over and over. Sigh. I thought the worst moment was when they struck each other. (Physical violence is not a turn on for me. Ever.) But the end went past even that. SPOILERS After Devlin saves Emily from a kidnapping by killing everyone else the two have sex right there in the same room as the people he just murdered. No. Nope. No way. END SPOILERS This book should come with several warnings. I would definitely not recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 25, 2025Under His Spell completely drew me in from the very first page. Selena Collins has a way of weaving atmosphere and emotion together so seamlessly that I felt like I was walking through the halls of Moore Manor right alongside the characters. The writing is lush, immersive, and perfectly balanced with a slow-burn intensity that kept me hooked.
What I loved most is how the story doesn’t just rely on romance—it builds a layered sense of mystery and emotional depth that made it impossible to put down. The chemistry between the characters feels magnetic without ever tipping into cliché, and every interaction carried a weight that made me want to keep reading “just one more chapter.”
Personally, I found myself highlighting lines that stuck with me, not just for the tension but for the quiet moments of vulnerability that felt so real. It’s rare to find a romance that gives you both shivers and heartache in equal measure, but this one did exactly that.
If you’re looking for a story that blends gothic atmosphere, complicated characters, and a romance that lingers with you long after the last page, this is absolutely a must-read. For me, it wasn’t just a book—it was an experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I loved most is how the story doesn’t just rely on romance—it builds a layered sense of mystery and emotional depth that made it impossible to put down. The chemistry between the characters feels magnetic without ever tipping into cliché, and every interaction carried a weight that made me want to keep reading “just one more chapter.”
Personally, I found myself highlighting lines that stuck with me, not just for the tension but for the quiet moments of vulnerability that felt so real. It’s rare to find a romance that gives you both shivers and heartache in equal measure, but this one did exactly that.
If you’re looking for a story that blends gothic atmosphere, complicated characters, and a romance that lingers with you long after the last page, this is absolutely a must-read. For me, it wasn’t just a book—it was an experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2025
From the moment I stepped into Moore Manor alongside Emily Hartwell, I was hooked. Under His Spell is everything I want in a dark, gothic romance,
hauntingly atmospheric, emotionally charged, and dripping with tension.
Emily, an archaeologist in need of work, takes a job cataloging the private library of Devlin Moore, a reclusive billionaire with secrets carved into the very walls of his home. Devlin is brooding, dangerous, and maddeningly magnetic. Their first encounters are a delicious mix of mistrust and sparks, and the slow burn that follows had me devouring the pages.
The setting is pure perfection, shadowed corridors, velvet-draped rooms, and an almost living sense of history breathing through the manor. Every detail feels intentional, pulling you deeper into the storm that is Devlin and Emily’s relationship.
This isn’t a sweet, fluffy romance. Devlin is the kind of man who blurs the line between protector and captor, and Emily’s determination to uncover his secrets makes their dynamic both volatile and irresistible.
The chemistry? Explosive. The tension? Palpable. Every interaction between them simmers with desire and danger, making it impossible to stop reading.
hauntingly atmospheric, emotionally charged, and dripping with tension.
Emily, an archaeologist in need of work, takes a job cataloging the private library of Devlin Moore, a reclusive billionaire with secrets carved into the very walls of his home. Devlin is brooding, dangerous, and maddeningly magnetic. Their first encounters are a delicious mix of mistrust and sparks, and the slow burn that follows had me devouring the pages.
The setting is pure perfection, shadowed corridors, velvet-draped rooms, and an almost living sense of history breathing through the manor. Every detail feels intentional, pulling you deeper into the storm that is Devlin and Emily’s relationship.
This isn’t a sweet, fluffy romance. Devlin is the kind of man who blurs the line between protector and captor, and Emily’s determination to uncover his secrets makes their dynamic both volatile and irresistible.
The chemistry? Explosive. The tension? Palpable. Every interaction between them simmers with desire and danger, making it impossible to stop reading.
August 7, 2025
Slow to start, but picked up. I felt like I was reading the same sentences phrased differently over and over again.
I loved the character art and can quite easily picture Devlin, hello mister hot and mysterious. The garden scene: this is where the book turned me around for the better. I was invested in this relationship now. Don’t be ashamed Emily, we all want a badass man who can stand his own and protect us. I do wish the romance was a bit…more. I didn’t get the obsessive attachment vibe I was craving from an aggressive billionaire. I also wish there was more crime/whatever he does that’s illegal involvement. Overall a good book- I don’t regret reading it! I hope there is a book two that dives more into what this book needed!
Short read, hits the main desires and leaves you interested in more! I wish there was more detail and it was longer because I do really like the story.
I loved the character art and can quite easily picture Devlin, hello mister hot and mysterious. The garden scene: this is where the book turned me around for the better. I was invested in this relationship now. Don’t be ashamed Emily, we all want a badass man who can stand his own and protect us. I do wish the romance was a bit…more. I didn’t get the obsessive attachment vibe I was craving from an aggressive billionaire. I also wish there was more crime/whatever he does that’s illegal involvement. Overall a good book- I don’t regret reading it! I hope there is a book two that dives more into what this book needed!
Short read, hits the main desires and leaves you interested in more! I wish there was more detail and it was longer because I do really like the story.
August 7, 2025
This was a quick read, with abit of mystery, tragedy, spice, and crime.
Devlin Moore is a troubled man, trapped in his families house, legacy, and his grief. He hires Emily to help him clean up the remaining memories about the house, they feel an instant magnetic pull to eachother. Even the house seems to pull her in. Eventually Emily learns Devlins secrets and history, and helps pull him to the light, but he may realize it too late.
There isnt much room for character or "world" building in a novella, but I do feel like it could have used more backstory or dialogue... something was missing! I kept waiting for a big revelation about the house or legacy but it never came 😅 Devlin and Emilies story was cute though, & the spice was yummy 🌶
Beautiful character art she did!!!
•134 Pages
•Third Person
•Beauty & the Beast retelling
•Dark/Gothic vibes
Devlin Moore is a troubled man, trapped in his families house, legacy, and his grief. He hires Emily to help him clean up the remaining memories about the house, they feel an instant magnetic pull to eachother. Even the house seems to pull her in. Eventually Emily learns Devlins secrets and history, and helps pull him to the light, but he may realize it too late.
There isnt much room for character or "world" building in a novella, but I do feel like it could have used more backstory or dialogue... something was missing! I kept waiting for a big revelation about the house or legacy but it never came 😅 Devlin and Emilies story was cute though, & the spice was yummy 🌶
Beautiful character art she did!!!
•134 Pages
•Third Person
•Beauty & the Beast retelling
•Dark/Gothic vibes
![Profile Image for RottingInThePlot [Julia].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1753194309i/192294465._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
August 14, 2025
3-3.25?
I volunteered to receive an ARC of Under His Spell. Thank you for the opportunity!
I was enticed by the Beauty & the Beast retelling vibes and it being a novella + the tropes.
It was definitely a novella, and definitely had the groundwork for the tropes! I think I would have had more enthusiasm for the novella after finishing it IF we had more lore.
I neeeeeded more Emily lore. More Devlin lore, even if it was cheesy to make the supposed interest and hesitations in one another more interesting as a whole. The lack of had me pausing to wonder how we got to whatever point we were at, and made the tension and “mine”-isms confusing. 🫤
Even as a novella we gotta have some lore!! <3
I look forward to the growth. :)
I volunteered to receive an ARC of Under His Spell. Thank you for the opportunity!
I was enticed by the Beauty & the Beast retelling vibes and it being a novella + the tropes.
It was definitely a novella, and definitely had the groundwork for the tropes! I think I would have had more enthusiasm for the novella after finishing it IF we had more lore.
I neeeeeded more Emily lore. More Devlin lore, even if it was cheesy to make the supposed interest and hesitations in one another more interesting as a whole. The lack of had me pausing to wonder how we got to whatever point we were at, and made the tension and “mine”-isms confusing. 🫤
Even as a novella we gotta have some lore!! <3
I look forward to the growth. :)
August 19, 2025
This book gave me all the vibes I love—a classic bad boy/good girl dynamic with just the right amount of tension. The plot was packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the protective, “touch her and die” energy was spot on.
I’ll admit, it started off a little slow for me, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It turned into one of those books you say “just one more chapter” to… and suddenly it’s 2am.
It’s also a really quick read, which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a fast-paced, drama-filled escape. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a little edge, some surprises along the way, and a hero you can’t help but root for.
I’ll admit, it started off a little slow for me, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It turned into one of those books you say “just one more chapter” to… and suddenly it’s 2am.
It’s also a really quick read, which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a fast-paced, drama-filled escape. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a little edge, some surprises along the way, and a hero you can’t help but root for.
August 4, 2025
Oh that man… I love a good “mine” from our mmc. So you’re going to have to read to find out why she’s under his spell but once you get a few chapters in it starts making sense. He has his secrets and for good reason and his possession comes in. I mean eventually she agrees but let’s be honest, do the fmcs ever really have a choice in the matter? I enjoyed this short read (short for me because it’s under 200 pages. If you like tall secretive biters, that put you under their spell, this is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
If you're looking for fluffy, slow burn, then this isn't for you. I wanted to like this book because it was to have "Beauty and the Beast" vibes but I don't think that it is more than a cliché. The characters were hollow, the plot was predictable and the smexy stuff a bit too unrealistic (the last one....eew) My favorite character was the side character best friend, so that tells something. I wish I had good things to say but it's sadly as dusty as the books own library.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
Under His Spell was a quick modern day Beauty and the Beast retelling. I found the story to be pretty enjoyable and blew through it. Devlin was a bit hot and cold. His personality and character wasn't really that likable, but I did enjoy him and Emily together. Loved the spice and chemistry between them. Emily came across a little too soft though. She didn't have much of a backbone and didnt really stand up for herself. Then, she's kidnapped and Devlin will stop at nothing to get her back. If you're looking for a quick modern day retelling, this is one to check out.
August 6, 2025
Good read! Being a novella, it lacks the ability to do the character and world building that I really enjoy digging into but I was able to immerse myself in Devlin and Emily's story. The spice was good and the tension built between characters kept me turning the page. If you like novellas I recommend picking this one up.
Tropes:
✅ Boss/Employee
✅Kidnapping
✅ She's mine
✅ Touch her and ☠️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✅ Boss/Employee
✅Kidnapping
✅ She's mine
✅ Touch her and ☠️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
August 25, 2025
A dark gothic romance, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, follows Emily as she takes a job cataloging the private library at Moore Manor for the brooding Devlin Moore. Mounted with family secrets, deception, tension, and chemistry between the characters. The story had a good premise, just wish there was more backstory to develop the enigmatic Devlin a bit more for a better understanding of.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
I loved reading this book! I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish. This book is definitely a page turner. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. The relationship between Devlin & Emily is a beautiful one. I could feel their love & connection from the start. It was magical! I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2025
Emily is an out of archaeologist and gets a job working at cataloguing and estates library where she meets the mysterious Devlin, a man whose walls are built to never fall but will cracks follow in the wake of Emily? Well written suspense, desires, twists, gothic mystery, beauty and beast vibes and more!
August 11, 2025
This twist on The Beauty and The Beast was good. Devlin Moore, beast, brooding, and quiet. Emily Hartwell, beauty, curious, bright, fierce. They collide when he hires her. The banter between them is perfect. How Selena weaves in what Devlin's legacy is in subtle ways and uncovers it fully by the end is a great way to nod towards the original story of beauty and the beast.
August 8, 2025
This Beast retelling had promise but felt rushed. The mystery around Devlin needed more buildup, the POV shifts were confusing, and a few scenes mirrored the animated movie too closely. The final reveal was predictable and lacked impact.
September 2, 2025
This is a read that I was unsure of and was not sure that I would even like it but I gave it a chance and glad that I did. Overall it is a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
This book was beauty and the beast meets spicy!!!! It was amazing how this author wrote a book to relate to beauty and the beast but put tons of sexy spice in there along with different plot twists.
August 6, 2025
this was my first book, my Selena, and I really enjoyed it. I will read more 🥰
August 7, 2025
the only reason this is a 4 star not a 5 is because its a short book its a very good well written book it leave on a cliff hanger in my opinion.
August 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this beauty and the beast retelling. The dark, atmospheric vibes pulled me right in, and the mystery kept me turning pages. The suspense was tense. And the spice was SPICY. A moody twist on a classic.
August 25, 2025
Emily and Devlin were captivating. Great plot. It was spicy, thrilling,intense. Story got me hooked from the beginning. I do wish it were longer.
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