A Magical New Year's Kiss: An enemies-to-lovers romance with a magical twist

by Jennifer Joyce, Ruby Townsend (Narrator), Dan Robins (Narrator)

Is your Prince Charming waiting for you at a New Year’s Eve party or is he where you least expect him?

After a bad run of dating, Daisy is shocked when she meets her friends on New Year's Eve - in the future. Even more amazingly, Daisy is holding hands with a man she can feel is her true love. At midnight they kiss…and it all fades away. The one detail about him she can clearly recall is that his watch face was cracked.

So when she meets her new boss Joshua, she is shocked to see that his watch face is cracked. Is he her dream man?!

The only problem is – she just can’t stand him.

Still, Daisy has faith in her vision and sets to work turning them from enemies to lovers. As they begin to date and Daisy follows the tiny clues from her dream, hell bent on making it come true.

But is he really her perfect man? Or is she chasing after the wrong Prince Charming?

2025 Jennifer Joyce (P) 2025 DK Audio

Audible Audio

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

I'm a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with my husband and our two daughters. I've been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as I can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And I felt like the bee's knees typing on THAT. I now write my books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).

You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...

You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites

Reviews

[Liz Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It will make a great read for the winter if you're in the mood for something seasonal that isn't necessarily centered around Christmas but still has a magical element to it.

A Magical New Year's Kiss tells the story of Daisy trying to find her dream New Year's Kiss after seeing him in a dream. Honestly, if you have ever done online dating you will relate to Daisy and her quest to find the one. I thought that the characters were all real and relateable.

This book was published on August 21, 2025. Make sure to add it to your winter TBR for a lighthearted read! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Isabell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

🧚 Magical realism I 🥰​ Sweet romcom vibes I 🎆 Holiday read​

When I first spotted A Magical New Year's Kiss on NetGalley, I couldn’t resist. The cover immediately caught my eye, the synopsis promised a sprinkle of magic, and with the holidays being my favorite time of year, it felt like just the kind of story I’d enjoy curling up with. I was excited to dive into Jennifer Joyce’s work for the first time. Unfortunately, despite the promising setup, the story didn’t fully click for me.

The book starts with a really fun premise: When Daisy has a strange, magical glimpse into the future, she sees herself on New Year’s Eve holding hands with the man who’s supposed to be her true love. A mysterious stranger with a cracked watch. The vision feels so vivid, so real, that when she later meets her new boss, Joshua — who just happens to wear that very cracked watch — she’s convinced fate has spoken. There’s only one problem: they don’t exactly get along. What follows is Daisy’s determined attempt to mold her vision into reality, trying to turn an enemies-to-lovers dynamic into her happy ending. But is Joshua truly her Prince Charming, or is she forcing a love story that simply isn’t there?

I loved the idea behind this story. That little touch of magical realism mixed with festive romcom vibes is exactly what drew me in. It’s cozy, closed-door, and perfect for readers who like their romance sweet and lighthearted. I also enjoyed the friendships in Daisy’s life and the bar, Clementine’s, which felt like the kind of spot I’d want to spend time with my own friends around the holidays.

That said, while I appreciated the setup, I didn’t always connect with Daisy’s journey. At times, her determination to make her premonition come true made the romance feel a little forced, and I struggled to feel real sparks between her and Joshua. Instead of natural chemistry, it sometimes came across as Daisy clinging to the idea of fate out of fear of being left behind rather than genuine connection. By the time the story shifted toward a different direction (no spoilers!), the twist lacked impact since the groundwork had been laid too early.

For me, the pacing dragged a bit in places, and I wished for more natural growth in the relationships. Still, I think the story captures that mix of hope, longing, and the pressure many people feel in their twenties when it seems like everyone around them is moving forward in love and life.

Overall, A Magical New Year's Kiss is a sweet, festive read that delivers on cozy holiday charm. While it wasn’t a perfect match for me, I can see it being a delightful choice for readers looking for something light, seasonal, and feel-good to slip into during the holidays.

I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Hera Books.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if your fairy tale arrived in a premonition and came with a serious side of ✨“what the heck?”✨ energy?

That’s the delightful chaos you’re in for with Jennifer Joyce’s A Magical New Year’s Kiss. And let me tell you: this book is adorably bonkers in the best way.

We start with Daisy who, like many of us, has had enough of dating disasters and romantic dead-ends. But one night, reality hits pause and Daisy’s suddenly in the future, holding hands with a dream man she’s never met… just in time for a New Year’s Eve kiss that feels like destiny.

And then poof…it’s gone. The dream fades, the man vanishes, and all she remembers is his cracked watch.

Enter: Joshua. New boss. Cracked watch. Bad vibes.
Here’s where it gets messy (and delightful). When Daisy meets her new boss—with the cracked watch—she’s instantly convinced he’s the guy from her magical midnight moment. There’s only one catch: she absolutely cannot stand him.

Naturally, Daisy does what any romcom heroine might do: completely disregard reality and go full “enemies to lovers” project manager mode on her romantic destiny. And I loved every second of her stubbornly optimistic determination.

What I Loved:

* The magical realism: It’s subtle, sweet, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think less full on fantasy, more romcom with a sprinkle of fairy dust.
* Daisy: She’s chaotic, hopeful, relatable, and exactly the kind of disaster I want in a romcom heroine.
* The romantic tension between Daisy and Joshua? Equal parts banter and blush worthy awkwardness. They’re both too stubborn for their own good, which makes the payoff extra satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for a whimsical, cosy romance with a sprinkle of time-warp magic and just enough snark to keep things spicy, A Magical New Year’s Kiss will absolutely hit the spot.

It’s perfect for that sweet spot between holiday magic and everyday reality, and honestly? It gave me the kind of warm fuzzies that made me want to sip hot cocoa and believe in fate again.

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨
📚 A Magical New Year’s Kiss by Jennifer Joyce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️Release date: August 21, 2025

If you’re craving a feel-good romance with a dash of magic, a splash of holiday sparkle, and just the right amount of chaos, A Magical New Year’s Kiss is your next must-read.

Daisy is over dating. After one too many romantic flops, she’s ready to give up—until a mysterious New Year’s Eve moment changes everything. She’s whisked into the future where she shares a magical midnight kiss with a stranger she knows is her soulmate. The only clue she’s left with? A cracked watch on his wrist.

Determined to track him down and turn fate into reality, Daisy’s quest takes a shocking twist: the man of her dreams turns out to be Joshua, her brand-new boss…who also happens to be a total grump and completely insufferable. Naturally, Daisy does what any rom-com heroine would do—ignore all logic and launch into a one-woman mission to transform enemies into lovers. Chaos and comedy ensue. I love the grumps so this was a win for me!

Jennifer Joyce delivers a fast-paced, utterly charming story filled with witty banter, reluctant romance, and a spritz of magical realism. Daisy is an adorably messy, endlessly hopeful protagonist you can’t help but root for, and the love-hate chemistry with Joshua is packed with tension, awkward moments, and sweet surprises.

One thing I really loved - The romance stays sweet without relying on spice, which makes this a perfect pick for readers who prefer a clean-but-cozy love story.

Whether you’re reading it during the festive season or just need a boost of romantic whimsy, A Magical New Year’s Kiss hits that comforting sweet spot between everyday life and holiday magic. It left me smiling, swooning, and looking forward to holiday magic!

Big thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Hera for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to dive into more of Jennifer Joyce’s books!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A lighthearted romance with a touch of magical energy

My Review: A Magical New Year's Kiss by Jennifer Joyce is a 2025 romantic fiction novel. It's scheduled release is 8/21/25.

About the Book: "Should your fairy tale be this much work?

After a bad run of dating, Daisy is shocked when she meets her friends one night and it appears to be New Year's Eve – in the future."

In My Own Words: A glimpse into what could be spurs the actions of a disenchanted dater.

My Final Say: The premise of this novel completely attracted me. The inclusion of a fantastical element made me immediately think of the time shift romances of K-dramas. Although this followed a slightly different course than I had initially anticipated, it was still entertaining in its own way. Ultimately, the story can be summed up as a "you never see it coming" kind of read.

This novel would be a good book club read. There are a number of topics for a discussion. It would prove to be interesting.

Other: Readers who enjoy love right in front of you, rub you the wrong way, but let's try anyway types of stories should like this one.

*** I think this would translate well as an audiobook. ***

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ✨.5

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Hera Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title. I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to familiarizing myself more with this writer and her work.

[☆Laura☆]

Daisy está harta de las citas fallidas y de sentirse sola mientras todos a su alrededor encuentran el amor y planean bodas. Tras otro desastre romántico, tiene una extraña visión: es Año Nuevo, está en un bar, y un hombre misterioso le toma de la mano y le roba un beso que la hace sentir completamente enamorada. Convencida de que fue un vistazo a su futuro, Daisy se aferra a la idea de encontrar a ese hombre antes de que llegue el próximo Año Nuevo. A pesar de no recordar bien su rostro, comienza una búsqueda basada en detalles mínimos como un reloj roto y un vestido de lentejuelas. En el camino se cruza con Joshua, su nuevo y muy poco encantador jefe, pero mientras más se enfoca en encontrar al hombre de su visión, más confusa se vuelve su realidad… y sus verdaderos sentimientos.


---

No me gustó porque no sentí que realmente hubiera romance ni crecimiento personal, más bien vi a Daisy, que se sentía sola y, al ver que sus amigos se estaban comprometiendo, se aferró a esa visión del futuro como si fuera su única oportunidad de encontrar al amor de su vida. Se aferro a Joshua, pero por más que estaba con él, no sentía nada, y aun así se obligó a continuar. Hasta que, de la nada, ella y otro personaje (no diré quién para no dar tantos spoilers) ya estaban enamorados. Todo se sintió forzado, como si el amor verdadero fuera una meta más.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via Netgallery in exchange for an honest review.

The book is about Daisy who gets a flash forward into the future and sees her dream man. She feels that it is true love. At midnight they kiss. The one detail about him she can clearly recall is that his watch was cracked. She goes in search of this man and it turns out to be Joshua, her new boss whom she does not like. Determined to make her dream come true, she starts dating Joshua. But is he really her perfect man? Or is she chasing after the wrong Prince Charming?

It might be a bit early for a book about Christmas/New Year, but I love the holidays, so it can't be early enough for me. I found it a very nice book. At the beginning, it goes fast. I thought they would introduce the story a bit more, but the dream happens quite quickly at the start of the book. I didn't find it disturbing. The book reads very easily.
I found the way of swearing nicely done, creative.

For people who are bothered by it, abbreviations are used in the book, such as cigs. It didn't bother me that much.

There is no spice in this book.

The only "downside" is that I quickly figured out what was going on and had a suspicion of how it would end. However, I didn't find that disturbing. I enjoyed the book and found it really a cute story. I give this book 4 stars.

Thank you so much for letting met read this book.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC Review 📚

A Magical New Year’s Kiss ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)


Daisy has had a bad time with dating, so when she gets a glimpse into the future she’s shocked to see that she has finally found the one. However, she can’t remember what he looks like, only that he has a cracked watch. So when she meets her new boss, Joshua, she’s surprised to see his watch is cracked, just like in her vision. He must be the one!
The problem- she can’t stand him. But Daisy is determined to make things work and turn this enemy into a lover. As they begin to date, Daisy follows the tiny clues from her dream to make this reality come true.
But is he really her perfect man? Or is she chasing after the wrong Prince Charming?


This book was such a cute read. I loved the magical realism and the holiday theme. The characters were great and I enjoyed their banter. I also liked that this was a closed door romance. Overall, it’s a feel- good, holiday rom-com that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy.


This book will publish on August 21, 2025. Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Rachel Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy walks into a bar to meet her best friends Jesy and Callum, but the scene suddenly shifts to New Year's Eve. The bar is packed, Jesy is heavily pregnant, and Daisy is holding hands with a mystery man who is wearing a cracked wristwatch.
The image fades and Daisy returns to an ordinary midweek evening. Jesy isn't with child and Daisy isn't with boyfriend. The handsome man of her daydream has vanished.
She just about accepts it was a fantasy until a few days later she spots the exact dress she was wearing in the vision and Jesy discovers she's pregnant. Daisy decides she has a few months until New Year's Eve to bump into her dream man. When she eventually sees the cracked watch on the arm of the most unlikely candidate, she vows to make him fall in love with her and to convince herself he's The One.
I'm not a seasoned RomCom reader so feel rather smug I guessed the outcome of this cute story.
This is a bright and breezy novel with gentle humour. I enjoyed it.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

[R Mmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a truly awful date, Daisy meets up with her two best friends, Jesy and Callum, at their old college hangout. But in the middle of her post-date pity party, she experiences something strange—a flash of the future. It’s New Year’s Eve, and she’s in the arms of a handsome stranger, completely swept up in the feeling of true love.

Snapping back to reality, Daisy can’t wait to share this “Deja New” moment with her friends. With both Jesy and Callum preparing for their weddings, Daisy is more determined than ever to find her own happy ending. So when she ends up working with a new guy she immediately dislikes, she can’t help but notice the small details that line up with her vision. Maybe this is it—the future she’s supposed to have. But as she tries to force the pieces into place, Daisy starts to learn that love (and destiny) isn’t something you can control.

This was such a fun holiday romance with plenty of charm. I especially loved the witty, supportive banter between Daisy and her friends—it really added warmth to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

[Jacki van de Schoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Magical New Year's Kiss was a beautifully written, cozy, fun romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was drawn in quickly, I honestly couldn't put it down. It was full of romance, friendship, drama, humour, and emotion.
I really loved the fun, close relationship Daisy had with her two best friends, Jesy and Callum.
Her banter with Joshua was fun to read about, with their enemies to lovers' vibe.

I really liked the uniqueness of the storyline, with Daisy trying to find the man of her dreams, from her dream/premonition, with little to go on, other than a New Year's party with her friends, her soon to be boyfriends watch, and her dress, among them.

This is the first book I've read from Jennifer Joyce, and I'm definitely keen to read more from this talented author.

I highly recommend.

4 Stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Especially for fans of Katherine Center, Lindsey Kelk, Josie Silver, and Mhairi McFarlane.

Thanks to Netgalley, Hera Books, and Jennifer Joyce for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Daisy who is heading to the pub to meet her friends one evening only to have a flash forward and see herself walk into the bar on new years eve, and not only that she is holding hands with a man and all she knows is that she is in love with him, as midnight strikes she kisses him and it all fades away back to the present day again and the only memory she has of him is that he had a broken watch.

She is on a mission to find him and have her happily ever after, only to find that it might just be her new boss at work and plot twist.....she can't stand him.

I read a lot and i'll be honest i usually figure out where a book is going quite quickly, only this time it took me a bit longer lol. That's all i'll say so that i don't spoil anything.

Really enjoyed it and will definitely read again in the future!

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of this author’s books and i always love them and this one was no exception, i fell for it straight away! Right from the very beginning it pulled me into its pages and did not let me go again until i had turned every last page and devoured it all up!

Should your fairy tale be this much work??

I absolutely loved this enemies- to - lovers rom com, topped with a gorgeous sprinkle of magic… Daisy was a wonderful character and i warmed to her straight away and i loved becoming entwined in her story.

There were festive vibes and i thoroughly enjoyed becoming absorbed in the story, it was magical & sweet & romantic, was super cosy & heartwarming, closed door, light hearted, with feel-good vibes and it left me with my heart feeling very full and happy…..

[Teresa Starrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is sick of dating the wrong men. On New Year’s Eve she enters Clementine's, the local pub she and her best friends frequent, she finds herself on the arm of a stranger who fills her with love. The only problem is this is months in the future, and she only has small clues as to who the stranger is.
Enter Joshua, her new supervisor at work. There is instant tension between them as Daisy wanted his current job. However, she soon realizes that Joshua is the man she spent New Year’s Eve with. She realizes they are destined to be together- or are they? This sweet romantic comedy with a dash of magical realism is a wonderful way to escape before, during or after the holidays.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mathilde Lejeune-Faust · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hopes for this book to relieve reading One Day in December by Josie Silver but I was extremely disappointed. The characters were all obnoxious to me, especially the main character. Her love interest is inconsiderate and no chemistry at all between them (granted it's part of the plot, but not even a tiny bit...). The only decent character is Callum but he was not enough to carry the story. The writing style was not for me either and I was left confused many times as there was no transitions or they were too abrupt.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Brandys_bookography · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is so relatable with the string of dating disasters. Daisy somehow ends up in the future in what seems as a dream with a man she shares a New Year's kiss with. Then the dream is gone and she just has a memory of a cracked watch.

Then she meets her new boss, Joshua who has a broken watch. So of course he is the magical guy she shared a kiss with. However, she realizes that she cannot stand her new boss.

There is no spice in this story, but you can feel the tension and chemistry between Daisy and Joshua. I would say this is like a cozy sweet romance with good banter.

Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for the advance copy. All my opinions are my own.

[Lauren Stroud · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute book this was! Not only did I want to meet Jesy, Daisy and Callum at Clementine’s for two-for-ones immediately upon finishing this one, but I also wanted to visit England at Christmas.

This was a sweet story about Daisy and her New Year’s vision. She’s seen what it’s supposed to look like, and she’s going to make sure it’s perfect when the clock strikes midnight.

The ending was a smidge rushed for me, and I felt like I could clearly see where we were heading, but overall I enjoyed this one; it made me feel so festive and ready for the holidays!

Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve or no?

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute festive read. It's the perfect book to read over the festive season or anytime when you want a cute and cosy read. The story was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🩷 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Magical New Year's Kiss has all the elements of a heart-warming Netflix Christmas movie - it's romantic, it's magical and it's just a tad unrealistic. But in a way that makes even adults hope that small miracles could still be possible around that time of the year.

I think I will re-read it in December.

[⋆.˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

happy publication day !!
this was such a cute and cozy read, perfect for the holiday season,
thank u netgalley and the publisher for this arc🩵

[Joanne Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just fantastic.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite sweet.

[Kel Caffekey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story and i enjoyed the characters and the surprise ending was lovely.. Its very easy to read.