Spellstruck

by Martha Waters

From beloved author Martha Waters, a lightly magical, enemies-to-lovers rom-com about the owner of a speakeasy supplying magical drinks and an enforcer of the ban on magic who must team up when potions begin to go awry, proving that chemistry isn’t just for cocktails.

In an alternate version of 1920s London, vestiges of England’s magical past exist, but the use of magic has been outlawed, leading families still with powers to operate illegal speakeasies for a public still hungry for magic. Vesper Holloway runs her family club, where a dash of spell powder or an enchanted cocktail can add a little extra intrigue to the evening. But one night a man drinking a Flotation Fizz that should allow him to levitate a few inches finds himself bumping his head on the ceiling. Word among the magical elite is that such accidents have been happening more frequently, and the club owners are worried that the danger will spread.

Enter Maxwell Ashbridge, a onetime friend of Vesper’s brother, who has joined the government agency tasked with enforcing the ban, and who has a personal vendetta against the magical elite. But he does not have a vendetta against Vesper; in fact, he finds her rather enticing. He promises her immunity for her club, if she teams up with him to help gain entry to other establishments and find out who is responsible for the contaminated magic threatening her family business. But their investigation does little to quell the chemistry they share. As accidents continue and the fight to repeal the ban gains ground in Parliament, Vesper and Max will have to decide—is the magic between them worth fighting for?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Historical Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Martha Waters is the author of To Have and to Hoax and To Love and to Loathe. She was born and raised in sunny South Florida and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By day, she works as a children's librarian, and loves sundresses, gin cocktails, and traveling. Sign up for her newsletter for periodic book news and reading & travel recs: http://tinyletter.com/marthawaters

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossdressing to get inside a gentleman’s club? Fun!
Shagging inside a tiny cupboard? So hot!
Him finding any excuse to seek her out? Be still, my beating heart!!

✎ᝰ.┊My Thoughts:

As a first-time reader of this author, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I absolutely loved reading about this world. The dynamic between Vesper and Max was definitely the highlight for me. Their chemistry felt natural and kept me hooked. For those who care about it, this is a moderate spice/open door read. There is one explicit scene, but it’s short.

Overall, the plot and the characters were so charming. Also, I really want a book about Freddie next!!

˖᯽ ݁˖┊What worked for me:

I love the forced proximity trope, so it’s not really a surprise that I swooned whenever they were forced to act coupley. Delicious stuff!

˖᯽ ݁˖┊What didn’t:

The constant use of dialogue tags for anything and everything sometimes pulled me out of the story.

✔ ┊Read this if:
You want a high-charm historical fantasy with a dash of mystery and a lot of heart.

─ ✦ ────

✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: New author to me! I love the idea of a magical speakeasy in the 20s. Ready for some witty banter and enchanted drinks!

⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
I've enjoyed all of Martha Water's romances thus far so it was no surprise that I loved this one as well! Spellstruck is a little different from her usual fare- it's a magical realism set in (I think) 1920s London. A world in which magical families run elite but illegal clubs to sell magical potions. When someone starts to tamper with those potions, Vesper, heiress of a magical family who runs their club, teams up with Max, who works for the government office in charge of enforcing the magical laws.

The plot here was a lot of fun. We got to go along with Vesper and Max to the different magical clubs and see the magic there. I particularly liked how different families had different magical specialties and how they were reflected in their menus.

The romance here was super cute. Vesper is unapologetically herself- vain and a little flighty, but also a suave business woman and more clever than anyone gives her credit for. I like how even when she was joking around with Max he took her seriously- he knew exactly who she was. And Max for his part struggled to let loose- he was described but his own friends and family as the fun police. But with Vesper he relaxed and let himself enjoy his surroundings. I also loved the banter between these two- how Vesper was constantly making Max smile and how he gave it back to her just as good.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparkling and witty and sure to appeal to fans of Freya Marske’s The Last Binding trilogy.

[Alyx Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Atria for the ARC!

Spellstruck was such a fun, magical read! I’m a sucker for anything witchy, but add in romance, enemies-to-lovers, magic, mystery, and a little bit of chaos, and I was completely sold.

I loved the chemistry and banter between Vesper and Max, and watching their relationship slowly shift from enemies to something a whole lot more was probably one of my favorite parts. There was so much charm to their dynamic, and I was absolutely here for all of it.

I also really loved the magical atmosphere and the alternate 1920s London setting. The whole story just felt so cozy and whimsical while still giving me plenty of romance and intrigue to keep me turning the pages.

This was exactly the kind of witchy, cozy escape I was hoping for. It was romantic, magical, charming, and just all around FUN. I genuinely had such a good time with this one, and it definitely left me wanting more. If you’re looking for a cozy witchy read with a side of enemies-to-lovers romance, definitely add this one to your TBR!

[Leah Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and to Atria Books for an early copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own ❤️

This was really fun! It was cool to see Martha Waters branching out into incorporating fantasy elements into this book! I do think some parts were a bit dragged out and I feel like we could have expanded on the magical aspect of the potions that the families sell at these clubs. I really like our main female character because she was very fiery and always had a quip back to whatever another character said. The 1920s setting of it was interesting as well since Martha Waters usually writes in a historical time period (regency vows series, and then there was the one) Overall, I would highly recommend picking this one up when it comes out in September for a fun and cozy time that would be especially good for spooky season!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had such a fun concept and setting. We’re in an alternate 1920s London where magic has basically gone through prohibition, and the magical elite run secret speakeasy-style clubs serving enchanted drinks and potions. The atmosphere was honestly my favorite part of the whole book. I loved the glamour, the private clubs, the cocktails, and the idea of underground magic hidden behind velvet curtains and social status.

That said, the magic itself felt surprisingly small for something so heavily outlawed. Since the entire society is built around banning magic, I expected bigger stakes or more impressive magical elements than what we actually got. The book is definitely lightly magical and that description is very accurate.

The romance also didn’t fully work for me. I never really felt the chemistry between the couple, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic felt flat instead of tension-filled. Their history especially made it hard for me to buy into the emotional payoff later on. Because this is an ARC I won’t get into spoilers, but some of the backstory and character choices made the romance feel more forced than swoony for me.

I think readers looking for a cozy, light magical romance with a unique speakeasy setting may enjoy it more than I did, especially if you prefer atmosphere over heavier magic systems or intense romance development.

[Niki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review!

I love a romance with a little magical twist but this one kind of fell flat to me. I love the concept and the idea of magical clubs and potions — while the beginning felt a bit world dumpy and was tough to slog thru, the world was an interesting setting.

But the overall story and characters felt so flat, almost too surface level. I loved the characters and wished we got a little more into the emotional depth of not just them but the plot too. Every other day or so they went to a magical club to investigate but they didn’t really do much once they were there except poorly flirt and drink. They never learned or did much for their investigation other than just placing themselves at these clubs and waiting for something to happen. And when it did it felt too convenient.

I would’ve loved a more heightened level of danger and drama. The stakes just weren’t there. The big reveal at the end was so boring I didn’t even realize it was the big reveal until I saw how little I had left to read. There was just no emotional build up to anything so it didn’t feel like an emotional payoff in the end when they get together. A little more depth overall and I think this would have been better. But as is, it didn’t really hit at all. It was a struggle to read to be honest and I never really got excited to continue.

Also the FMC was wrinkling her nose on nearly every page. That got incredibly annoying 😂

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria books for the eARC!

Such a fun, magical book! Spellstruck follows Vesper as she teams up with Max to figure out who is tampering with magical potions at local establishments. Max, however, works for the local law enforcement who wants to shut down these establishments and is not a fan of magic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted romance. The mystery and crime solving was super adorable and watching the characters fall for each other was the best. I think this will be a perfect fall book to get you in the witchy/magic spirit for Halloween.

[Kate Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so unique! I loved that it brought a really interesting new take to the magic/witches genre that’s gained popularity, with this book being within a “magic prohibition” time period. I will say, it feels decidedly British, which I always find makes books take a little bit longer to get into as an American reader, but overall, very enjoyable.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

1920’s London where magic is going through prohibition, so fun! Vesper Holloway comes from a magical family and runs their club that is illegally still providing magical potions to patrons. Holloway’s is one many magical clubs quietly skirting the laws. When incidents start happening in the clubs that paint magic in a bad light the government sends Maxwell Ashbridge on a mission to shut them down. His first stop is Holloway’s, but after seeing a potion go bad he ends up striking an alliance with Vesper to investigate who is behind tampering with the magic. During their investigation they get up to all kinds of antics, including one hilarious cross dressing incident. Along the way magical and romantic sparks fly between Vesper and Max. This was such a fun read, and perfect for the upcoming Fall season! The 1920’s atmosphere was so well done and really set the scene. The clubs were all unique and creative. I really enjoyed this one and would add to any witchy/magical TBR!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the eARC!

[Krista Beutel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. A cozy mystery set in the world of magical speakeasy’s in 1920’s London? Say less! I was utterly charmed by the world Waters created, in which Magical Prohibition has forced activities to be conducted in secret clubs run by the handful of magical families remaining. Our fiery, strong-willed FMC Vesper is confidently running the family business, but constantly feels the need to “prove herself” as capable. MMC Ashbridge is strait-laced, stoic, and unimpeachable. He has his work cut out for him when he’s tasked with investigating illegal activities on behalf of the government agency for which he works. It’s a quick, fun read filled with flirty banter and palpable chemistry, plus a dash of mystery. Key tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, reluctant partners. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.

[Franky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

(+) :
- The concept of “Prohibition but make it about magic” was very fun. And the lore about the dilution of magic down the hereditary line and how the clubs specialize in specific types of magic was really intriguing. Though bit of a disappointment that Vesper's family magic was kind of lame in the grand scheme, but also it’s all about having a good, fun time, and that matches Vesper’s (and Freddie’s) general demeanor.
- Good. Fun. Solid characters. I really liked both Max and Vesper and how their motivations and history drove their desire for their goals and each other. We also *love* a grumpy sunshine where the sunshine is truly sunny (and SO sex-positive! hooray!). I also just really related to Vesper. Oh to be a youngest sibling that no one will ever trust is grown up enough
- 1920s London is a great fresh romcom era right now. Not that it hasn’t been done, but I just find myself drawn to the lesser cover eras, like the ‘20s, the Industrial Age, or turn of the century but place them in lesser done arenas. I just love the 20s aesthetics was really felt throughout the book.
- The queer characters and mentions felt really organic and not forced to meet a quota. It also didn’t feel like it needed to be called out as against the grain of the societal status quo. Queer people just exist in this world, living their lives and having relationships and that’s great.
- Fine title. Nothing super special.

(-) :
- End was a bit too tied up neatly in a bow for me and a bit too quickly at that. I could have done with another chapter or two to satisfy and match the momentum.
- I wish they'd talked about their past more. We keep getting mentions of how Max walked in on her screwing a married man with her top off and then we never really get them talking about that. I also would have loved a thru-line with the topless beat of when Max sees her naked (again). But maybe that’s just me. A degenerate.
- Also as the degenerate that I am, I’m always disappointed when the characters have on-the-page intimacy in one scene and then it’s mentioned in passing but not shown again for the rest of the book. We get fades-to-black that they have sex again, but we’re not shown any of those intimate moments. And that’s a bummer, because for me, the reason I like those types of scenes is BECAUSE it shows us the characters at such a unique and vulnerable state for themselves and it intensifies the relationship. This ended up leading to the relationship somewhat plateauing for em.
- I’m sorry but this cover is just bad. It has a style that feels really YA and also the proportions of these characters is just so off-putting. They look really stumpy. I like the type-face and the sparkles, but really with everything that’s in this book, THIS is what we get? Just a HUGE bummer because I do think it’s going to turn off a lot of people from reading it.

(?) :
- What does Max want to do if not bureaucracy? We never really get to know what he wants out of his life outside of just hating magic.


WILL I READ THE NEXT ONE? : Yes. I would love to see Martha Waters write more in this world with this magical lore.

(HOW LONG) DO I THINK THEY’LL STAY TOGETHER? : I think they can stick it out for awhile. Forever? Who knows. But I do think they would communicate about needs and kinks and such.

*Thank you to Atria & Netgalley for providing this ARC!


SIMILAR BOOKS :
- 'The Geographer's Map to Romance' by India Holton
- 'Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter' by Heather Fawcett
- 'The Marriage Method' by Mimi Matthews
- 'A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping' by Sangu Mandanna
- 'The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy' by Megan Bannen

[Ashleigh Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prohibition. Flapper dresses. Magic in the Roaring 20's. Sign me up.

Spellstruck hit all the right notes of whimsy, mystery, and romance all set against a 1920's back drop. This was my first time reading anything by Martha Waters and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I can say I wasn't disappointed. I had so much fun with this story. With the characters. With the time period. All of it was executed well.

The story opens giving the reader a little bit of backstory which I think was a great way to start the story off. We meet Vesper who is the youngest in her family and currently runs the families private club. But this private club is more than meets the eye. It's a nightclub where you can go to have a good time, but also get something a little bit magical in the back room. You also learn that using and dealing in magic is now illegal and a part of prohibition. The reader finds out that the government is going to start cracking down on these types of clubs and that they will have to be careful moving forward. Enter Max, one such government official, who has ties to Vesper's family but also hates magic. Max is instructed to make an example of one of the private night clubs but he has to see something magical and report back.

Vesper and Max on paper would never work. Vesper works with magic and Max hates magic. Max is out for her family business and Vesper runs the family business. But there is something about Vesper and Max that does work. There is a natural, underlying chemistry that builds throughout the story. I found their conversations as they work together to figure out what has been happening in the private clubs thought provoking and compelling. The time they spent together often exposed their own vulnerabilities and prejudices. I liked that the author did shy away from making these two characters confront some of their internal and inherent biases. I equally enjoyed that as the characters looked inward, they decided to grow and see the opposite in a different light. Their romance also felt like light and joyful, despite the settings being dark clubs. The juxtaposition of those two things made the story fun and allowed for a spotlight in essence to shine on Vesper and Max.

I went in thinking I was getting a magical romance and was pleasantly surprised by the mystery. I think the mix of mystery and romance was well balanced. The characters themselves felt believable and likeable. Overall, I had a lot of fun with the story. If I could change one thing, it would be spending a bit more time with some of Vesper's family. As side characters they were great, but I feel like they all had potential. I also wish the ending has felt as rushed. I kind of wished we had spent a little bit more time on the ending allowing space for the scandal and resolution to breathe.

If you want a whimsical romance with a dash of mystery and magic and a lot of heart, then Spellstruck won't leave you disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for this early digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tamisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellstruck is a magical, romantic book that has me wishing that I, too, had a magical speakeasy near me that served fun and flirty mocktails for the sole purpose of a fun night out with my girls.

I adored Vesper Holloway. Truly. I think she might have made her way into one of my favorite female characters of this year. Smart, witty, and ultimately in tune with herself. I thought her character arc was extremely well-written. As the youngest of her siblings, she’s used to her family downplaying her abilities especially because of her past. But in this book we see her take running Holloway’s extremely seriously, as well as becoming more confident in who she is as a person. She recognizes her flaws and though she might brush them off with humor and wit, it was clear in this book that she was working on herself and I loved it.

And Maxwell Ashbridge. Oh, sweet sweet Max. I think he was the perfect complement for Vesper. They bounced off each other perfectly and I never tired of their banter. Never raised his voice, quite frankly didn’t resort to lies or manipulation, and was willing to reconsider his views on magic that had been tainted by his father. I also thought he had a good character arc and didn’t fall flat. Loved their tension and chemistry, and yeah. I would read more about them.

I thought the plot was fine, though predictable at times. I had worked out most of what it took them the entire book to work out so the reveal didn’t feel as surprising; nevertheless, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. This was my introduction to Martha’s writing style and I quite enjoyed it except for the replacement words for “said”, “murmured” being the most common. Lol. It’s okay to write “said” but I understand the desire for variety; unfortunately, it pulled me out of the story each time there was murmuring, whispering, and the like. I also found the pacing a bit weird. A good chunk at the beginning takes place over just a weekend. I personally thought more time had passed. And the entire story over the course of a couple of weeks… I also didn’t realize how short the book was? Before I realized it, we were at 90% of the way through and not a whole lot left to resolve the ending which led to it feeling a little rushed. And though we had been seeing Vesper and Max grow into loving each other, I wish we had more time with their romance on page.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and would be open to reading more in this universe. If Martha wants to write about Lucian, Amelia, and their magical family history, I would happily read it. If you’re a fan of witty banter, delicious tension, and building a friendship before any romantic advances, this will be the book for you!

Side note: I wonder if this is fantasy as much as it is magical realism :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for a complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own!

[Hallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me personally, I think this book was okay. And that's okay. Spellstruck is a romcom and a mystery. I feel like I've been seeing more of these dual-genre books lately. Obviously romantasy, but horromance, romance/mysteries, romance/thrillers, etc. etc. so I thought I would try this one out after having enjoyed some of this author's prior historical romance novels. This one is set in prohibition-era London, post WWI, but the prohibition didn't just cover alcohol, it also covered magic. Certain aristocratic magical families have been trying to slip under the radar by operating magic clubs in secret where they serve up magical concoctions like potions to change one's appearance, potions to levitate, potions for dancing and romance, etc. Vesper Holloway belongs to one of these magical families and operates her family's club. Max Ashbridge is a "mundane," i.e., nonmagical person, and he works for the FLEA (I've already forgotten what it stands for), a government organization investigating and shutting down magical operations in the country. Max used to be Vesper's brother's closest friend, but because Max despises magic and the aristocrats who control such power, they had a falling out. Now, Max's boss wants to use his former connection to send him to the Holloway club, find evidence of illegality, and shut it down. On the night he shows up at Vesper's club, however, there's an incident: a potion goes awry in a way that has never happened before. Vesper wants to investigate and she forges a connection with Max to help her track down the culprit who is trying to paint magic in a bad light, destroy magical businesses, and harm people in the process. Max and Vesper could not be more unalike. As they investigate, hijinks ensue, and maybe a little romance as well.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this. I think, however, and this might just be a me issue, I was left a little unsatisfied in this circumstance by the combination of genres. Because it was a romance and a mystery, I thought the focus on the mystery and the investigation left the romance a little underdeveloped. And because it was a mystery and a romance, I thought the romantic elements we did get also meant that the mystery itself was somewhat underwhelming. It was quite obvious (for me anyway) who was causing these magical incidents and the motive, etc. Still a fun concept, and worth reading just for Vesper, who is an awesome character.

Netgalley and Atria provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[EJ Foreman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Martha Waters for providing me with an ARC copy of Spellstruck in exchange for an honest review.

Spellstruck is a lightly magical historical rom-com set in an alternate 1920s London, which means we get speakeasies, outlawed magic, romantic tension, and people making deeply questionable choices in very good outfits. Honestly, an ideal use of everyone’s time.

This book follows Vesper, who runs a magical speakeasy, and Max, the very inconvenient man tasked with enforcing the ban on magic. Naturally, potions start going wrong, the two of them have to work together, and chemistry becomes a problem in more ways than one. Terrible for them. Delightful for me.

Martha Waters has such a charming voice, and this book has the same wit and sparkle I enjoy from her historical romances, just with a little more magic stirred in. The banter is quick, the world is fun, and the romance has that “I am absolutely not interested in you, please ignore my obvious interest” energy that always gets me. I am not immune to a competent woman and a buttoned-up man being forced into proximity. I have accepted this about myself.

This was not a perfect read for me, but it was a very enjoyable one. The magic system and mystery were fun, though I did sometimes want a little more depth from both. The world had so much potential that I occasionally wanted the book to slow down and let me snoop around more. Give me more magical speakeasy drama. Let me be nosy.

A few things I loved:
- Magical cocktails. Obviously.
- A heroine with bite.
- A hero who needs to unclench, professionally and emotionally.
- Forced teamwork. My favorite workplace violation.
- 1920s atmosphere with fantasy seasoning.

A few things that kept it at four stars:
- I wanted the magic and worldbuilding to go a little deeper.
- The mystery was entertaining, but not the part that fully hooked me.
- Some emotional beats could have used more room.
- I liked the romance, but I wanted a tiny bit more ache before the payoff. I am a simple woman. Make them suffer prettily.

Overall, Spellstruck is charming, clever, cozy, and very easy to enjoy. It has magical speakeasies, romantic friction, a fun mystery, and the kind of historical fantasy setup that makes you wonder why more people are not putting cocktails and forbidden magic in the same room.

[Eliana Zambrana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC read!

I went into Spellstruck by Martha Waters expecting a light, whimsical escape and in many ways, it absolutely delivered with that. This was a fun, entertaining read with a charming premise that blends a prohibition-era aesthetic with a magical twist, where magic itself is forbidden. The setting is easily one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Waters has a real talent for painting a vivid picture; the world feels textured, atmospheric, and immersive in that vintage, slightly glamorous, slightly dangerous way. It’s the kind of backdrop that immediately pulls you in and makes you want to linger.

The banter between Vesper and Max was another highlight. Their dynamic is playful, witty, and genuinely enjoyable to read. There’s a natural chemistry in their dialogue that keeps the story moving and adds a layer of charm that carries a lot of the book. Waters clearly excels at writing humor and light romantic tension. There were multiple moments that made me smile.

That said, where the book fell a bit short for me was in its emotional depth. While I liked both Vesper and Max, I never felt fully invested in them on a deeper level. Their connection, though fun on the surface, didn’t quite develop into something emotionally compelling. I found myself wishing for more quiet, vulnerable moments and scenes that would have allowed their relationship to breathe and feel more substantial rather than just clever and entertaining.

The same issue extends to the plot. While the premise is intriguing, the story itself felt somewhat flat and, at times, a bit predictable. I kept waiting for a stronger sense of momentum or a twist that would elevate the stakes, especially toward the end. The reveal didn’t land with the impact I was hoping for, which left the overall narrative feeling a little underwhelming despite its strong setup.

Overall, Spellstruck shines in its writing style, humor, and beautifully crafted setting. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that leans heavily into charm and atmosphere. However, if you’re looking for a story with deeper emotional resonance or a more gripping, layered plot, this one may feel like it’s missing that extra spark.

[Virginia Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Spellstruck through a Goodreads giveaway. The following review is my immediate reaction upon finishing Spellstruck.

The time period is 1920s London - except in this reality, prohibition does not apply to alcohol, but instead to the consumption of magical substances. Magic was once prevalent throughout all aspects of life - magic wielders could light a fire with a snap of their fingers - but due to the co-mingling of magical people with “mundanes” (or nonmagical people) inherent magic has dwindled and weakened to the point that it can only be accessed through a sacred family Word and utilized through magically imbued powders and syrups. After a much alluded to war (I believe there was also a mention of a war between magical and mundane peoples, but I’m a bit fuzzier on that. Just take my word for it - there was a war. World War I, but with magic. Ok. Moving on.) prohibition is instated to control and police the use of said magical substances.

But as people are wont to do, they of course, shamelessly flout the rules and carry on with their magical merriment behind cleverly disguised doors, with the use of secret passwords, and other speakeasy-esque methods of evading the law. But when it becomes clear that someone is tampering with magic after multiple mishaps come to light, our protagonist, Vesper, daughter of a powerful and prestigious magical family who runs the famous club Holloway, teams up with Max Ashbridge, a straight laced civil worker who is dedicated to enforcing anti-magic laws (known as Forbiddance), to find who is behind the tainted substances.

The premise is promising, the banter is witty, and the story is cute with a fun, uncomplicated mystery. I had a gripe or two about the quick switch from a sweet budding romance that felt rather innocent that would suddenly be smashed with a sledgehammer with a reference to a “cock twitch” or “cock hardening”. Like really? That felt very out of nowhere compared to the rest of the book. I also think I would tighten up the war subplot so it serves the story better, but for what I assume is not the final version, it’s a great start and I enjoyed the read. All in all, I enjoyed this cozy little magical world, and our fiercely dependent heroine.

[Lea Columbus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I loved all of Martha Waters Regency Romance books and was sad when they ended. Since then, however,she has written a number if books of different genres and I am loving them all. This one is a cross between Harry Potter, and a 20's film noir. It is set in the 1920's , in England, in an alternate universe where Magical and Mundane live together in kinda, sorta, not really harmony. In this world, the number of magical families have been dwindling and the British government is making plans to outlaw magic altogether. Many of the Magical families have clubs that had served alcohol and magic potions. The new rules forbid the potions, so . the clubs have back rooms, Speakeasies, that serve the potions to club members.The government has what is called Forbiddance Laws, to keep the Magical potions from being sold, and government positions referred to as F.L.E.A.S-Forbiddance and Licensing Enforcement Agents, who attempt to enforce the governments ban on all magical substances. Its all very 1920's prohibition, with Harry Potter Magical and Muggles thrown in. Vesper Holloway is from a magical family. They have a club that she runs. The rest of the family thinks that Vesper is a bit flighty . She is actually very bright and runs the club well. She is very pretty and has a bit of a checkered past with men. After being hurt a few times, she has turned into a love em and leave em type of party girl. Max Ashbridge works for the Agency as a F.L.E.A, and he has something of a past with the Holloways.He was friends with Vesper's brother in school, and a few secrets of his own. The agency has been made aware of some recent incidents at several of the magical clubs- patrons have been injured after drinking a potion. The agency wants Max to find out the cause and close the clubs. Vesper wants to work with Max to find the cause and keep the clubs open. Both of them are attracted to each other, but do not want to admit it. It is a cute storyline , set against a backdrop of 1920's London. It is fun and romantic and yes, Magical.!

[Alena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellstruck is a dashing romance set in an alternative London in the Roaring Twenties, with a dash of magic, mystery, dance clubs, and bewitching drinks. It’s fun, witty, and a little cozy, and since it’s set in October, it’s a perfect story for autumn, for when you want something delightful and fast-paced, with magic. There's a mystery to it, so it’s perfect for reading between heavy reads.

It’s set during Prohibition (magical Prohibition), and our FMC, Vesper, works at a club where they not only serve alcohol but also enhance it with a sprinkling of magic and spells, fundrinks, only to give you an extra touch of whimsy or euphoria, until some drinks are adulterated and become dangerous, the government finds out and that’s where Max comes in; he works for the government and is in charge of investigating. Vesper and Max have a little history of sorts; he was friends with her brother, and she had a little crush on him.

Vesper has a sparkly, bubbly personality; she’s smart, witty, and carefree. Max is more serious and is captivated by Vesper, even though she’s his opposite. To find out who’s behind the drinks, they have to spend time together; the banter and teasing are so much fun. Both Vesper and Max are charming, as is Vesper’s family. I really like that Vesper is rich, a little spoiled, enjoys men, parties, and having a good time, and has a family that adores her; she creates her own path. Max is more reserved, almost like an ice king. But deep down, he's actually a softie. They grew up differently, and I think that shows in their personalities.

It's lighthearted, even with its mystery and its dose of political and social criticism, and balances its elements well. The mystery was clever, and the setting was very interesting: a magical Prohibition era, similar to the real 20s one was very unique.

I think it works for a variety of moods; whether you're in the mood for a light historical fiction story, a little bit of magic, something witchy, an Opposites Attract romance, or something cozy and fun, this is great for autumn.

Thanks to Atria Books for the ARC

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2026/0...

I’ve loved both Martha Waters books I’ve previously read, and this sounded like such good fun – London in the 1920s and there’s magic? Count me in!

And yes, it was exactly that fun! Vesper Holloway is the youngest child of the Holloway family runs one of London’s magical clubs in Marylebone. However, recent laws have made magic illegal, so these clubs also have a speakeasy vibe to them. Max Ashbridge works for F.L.E.A in the Home Office, investigating this clubs to find evidence of them breaking the law to impose fines or shut them down. He’s not into magic, so this career suits him just fine. But when Vesper and Max run into each other in the Holloway club (Max also used to be besties with Vesper’s brother, Freddie) and they witness something hinky going on, they must team up to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage London’s magical clubs before it’s too late.

Told in dual POV, both Max and Vesper feel like real people, with real struggles as they have madcap adventures across London to try to solve a mystery, for seemingly different reasons. Vesper’s trying to prove herself to her family, and Max … well, Max has other motivations for his actions that are best revealed in the book. The romance is also a nice slow burn, where it barely feels like a romance at all (complimentary), with frissons every now and then to keep it interesting. They each have well-development family and friends, and I’d love to return to this universe again in the future. Lots of great parallels with the actual 1920s and some of the things going on today.

The mystery was so well-done, with the clues laying themselves out there for both the reader and the characters to find. The characters picked up on things quickly, so the reader isn’t outsmarting them, but also keeping all of us in suspense as things progress. I really didn’t know whodunit until just before they figured it out themselves, which to me is the sign of a great mystery. Excellent work from Martha Waters as usual!

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellstruck by Martha Waters

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Thank you to Atria Books, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Spellstruck is a lighthearted, cozy, and super fun read! Blending magic, historical fiction, and romance, this is a fast-paced and engaging story with a bit of mystery, coziness, whimsy, and a sweet romance. An entertaining, atmospheric story that is perfect for autumn!

In 1920s London where remnants of England’s magical past exist even though the use of magic has been outlawed, families with powers to run speakeasies for people still eager to experience magic. Vesper Holloway runs her family club, where people can experience an enchanted cocktail or some spell powder. Unexpectedly, accidents begin to happen at magical establishments across London and Vesper finds herself worried about her family’s business. Enter Maxwell Ashbridge, a previous friend of Vesper’s brother, who works for the government agency enforcing the ban and who is against the magical elite. But he finds Vesper rather interesting. So, he promises immunity for her club if she agrees to work with him to investigate what’s going on. As accidents continue and the fight to repeal the ban ramps up, Vesper and Max will have to decide whether the magic and chemistry between them is worth fighting for.

Spellstruck is such a delightful and charming story! Martha Waters always crafts such captivating stories featuring well-developed characters and an excellent plot.

The main characters and the overall vibe of the story are both absolutely wonderful. Vesper is a fantastic FMC, with her confidence, determination, and wittiness. And, Max is the perfect MMC for the story, with his personality complementing Vesper’s really well. The magical speakeasy setting is so fun and is a highlight of the story! Vesper and Max’s chemistry is perfect and their differing allegiances make for an excellent dynamic throughout.

By combining elements of historical fiction, fantasy, cozy mystery, and romance, Spellstruck is an entertaining, unique, and very fun read from start to finish! Overall, Spellstruck is a wonderfully charming story!

[glinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

”i want to stick around. and i want you to know that you deserve that.”
“i can’t believe i’m falling in love with a civil servant with an enormous stick up his arse.”

———

thank you to netgalley & atria for this ARC of this book!

———

i can’t remember the last time i read an ARC (it’s obviously documented here of course as i always do, but WOW! what a delightful book that i managed to finish in one sitting on my flight to europe (which, this book is set in 1920s london!)

what excited me about this book was not only the pairing dynamic of an ex-brother’s best friend and the said sister they once crossed paths with years ago agreeing to work together despising supporting opposite forces, but the way that waters ties in the setting being in the 1920s (which, the jazz age & the first war aka the roaring twenties? great gatsby era? sign me up!) and throwing a touch of magic? was already hooked as soon as i finished reading the description.

i absolutely loved max’s and vesper’s dynamics, especially when vesper knows she isn’t like other women willing to investigate alongside a man who seems to elude mystery. while he may be masking alot of emotions, in reality he’s already been attracted to vesper’s charm and UGH, the way he looks at her and willingly sacrifices anything just to ensure she’s safe. i loved the trust they put each in other, and not to mentions the sparks? the shag in a tiny closet? not to mention i was a fan of the twists, the realizations, max’s history of how he landed such a job being a “buzzkill” as most folks describe it, and not to mention vesper’s family and friends up to hijinks all around. i would love to see another spinoff especially about the other holloway siblings!

lastly, after reading the shag scene which i did mention, i am not surprised at what those two are capable of doing together except i know that it’s vibrant! (vesper being a burst of energy while max needs time to recover is just so them-coded.) had an honest fun with this book and it was such a fun read on the plans!

[Samantha Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, and I was pleasantly surprised. Overall, it was an entertaining, clever read. There were certain story aspects that felt lacking, which keeps it from a higher rating, but this is still one I would pick up again when I’m in the mood for a light, fun read.

Pro:
- The prose was one of the strongest aspects of the book: clever, quick, and witty; I was amused by the snarky observational tone.

- I was genuinely invested in Holloway and Ashbridge’s relationship. Their interactions were delightful. This was ultimately a romance where their relationship took front and center, and because it was well developed, I found some of the issues listed below weren’t as glaring.

- The character interactions in general seemed real and charming, especially in scenes with each of the characters’ families.

Cons:
- Ultimately, the prose was good. However, it was at times too witty or too clever for its own good: the narrative relied a bit too heavily on the telling of the prose rather than showing or letting the audience infer what was happening. This was really only an issue in the beginning with the exposition and characterization. As the story got going, the telling took a step back and let the story breathe.

- The plot itself didn’t build or ramp up much. It was fairly repetitive for the first 60%, jumping from plot point to plot point that were all the same. Even past the 60%, it didn’t build in intensity or pace. The characters didn’t face mounting set-backs. The conflict was resolved easily and was wrapped up in a few pages. (The plot was more of a backdrop to the romance: the central conflict was between the two leads, and the romantic tension built and progressed naturally throughout the story.)

Ultimately though, this was a fun book with cozy magical vibes and lower stakes. I’d recommend it to anyone trying to get out of a reading slump, or anyone wanting a quick, comfort-food like book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Toby P. Smith: The Nerd-Cave Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~Reviewed by Toby Palevsky Smith of Toby's Nerd-Cave Library~~
Thank you to my sister, Ari, for lending me her paperback copy of the ARC for my review.
In an alternate 1920’s London, the secret speakeasies that the 20s are known for, cater to a different crowd than our own world - instead of hiding the illegal booze of the Prohibition era, these speakeasies hide illegal Magic. After the government outlaws all magic, those who partake in magic, now get their special drinks, cocktails, and potions, and powders in secret, and flock to the historically wealthy and magical families nightclubs. When something starts to go wrong with the magical drinks and cocktails served at the bars, it's up to Vesper, and her brother's old pal Max, who now works for the government agency that enforces those anti-magic laws, to figure out who is sabotaging the magical clubs, and why.
I’m really liking the sexually progressive FMC, Vesper. She is strong willed, confident, promiscuous, and clever. She knows exactly how she looks to others and uses it to her advantage, she sees what she wants and she goes for it. I am especially liking how progressive it is considering this takes place in the 1920’s.
The world building in this story is great, and gets fleshed out throughout the book instead of a giant info dumping scene. The sexual and romantic chemistry between Vesper and Max is astonishingly real and works really well for how they are supposed to interact - I believe the trope is ‘forced proximity’. The vulgar language also is really funny next to the posh English dialogue from most of the characters.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic Alternate Universe Historical Romantasy, with great well-rounded characters, a familiar yet magically altered setting, and fantastic LGBTQ+ representation. Make sure to get your copy of “Spellstruck” when the book is officially released in September 2026!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

This was an okay read overall. There were elements I really liked, and others that could have been executed better.

My favorite part are the 3 dimensional characters. Vesper defies many trope as the heroine. She’s privileged, a bit spoiled, flaunts her attractiveness, and was very messy and slutty in her previous relationships. Meanwhile, Max is Vesper’s foil. He’s uptight and a rule stickler. They could have easily been obnoxious characters, but the author makes them likable from the start. Despite them being opposites, their relationship makes a lot of sense at the end. I also like their families’ dynamics. I had a smile on my face reading Max’s family banter among themselves.

The world building was done well, but the beginning was a slog to get through due to all the exposition.

The mystery was the weakest part of the book. It wasn’t a compelling mystery and the culprit reveal was anticlimactic.

• Much of the story involves visiting different clubs, but the investigation doesn’t meaningfully deepen or evolve with each new location.

• The discovery of the culprit felt like it came out of nowhere. Due to reasons, Max accidentally opens a special door and they discover all the information they need.
• The culprit tries to obscure their accomplice’s identity by using initials, but included the middle name initial. That destroyed the point of being sneaky as it narrowed the pool down to one person. This just felt like lazy writing.
• Near the end, Max has this “genius” revelation where he realizes the culprit is trying to make magic use look bad. This was already obvious due to the book’s heavy focus on the magic versus anti-magic debate, and there were earlier examples of staged magic accidents.

[Virginia Easthome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Waters' writing is gorgeous - it reads historical, a bit Austen-esque with quick-witted banter and surprising quips (mostly out of Max's shockingly not-uptight mouth). It's a quick read, but I would have given my kidney for an additional 100 pages to live in this world!! Light socio-economic criticism (no ethical aristocracy, y'all, and highlighting that the working class is often at the whims of the upper class), it's also a warm and cozy story, with two loving families for Max and Vesper, and a sweet set of friends. The love story and pacing doesn't feel as quick as the timeline probably indicates, as their intertwining histories fill out the underlying relationship, and there's a decidedly sweet and satisfying resolution. A bit of light spice at the end is a macaron for readers (the perfect two-bite dessert)!

Set in a post-WWI, Prohibition-era London, Spellstruck follows Vesper Holloway (youngest sibling of the legacy magical family the Holloways) as she runs their nightclub (members only, for magical folks), and Max Ashbridge (mundane Londoner and civil employee), working to enforce new laws restricting magic usage in such clubs (and former bestie of Vesper's older brother). When Max is tasked with investigating the Holloways' cub, he stumbles in as magical sabotage is taking place, and he and Vesper partner up to investigate the magical sabotage occurring all over London's magical clubs. Investigations lead to Vesper and Max discovering elements of each other (and magical and non-magical life, broadly)...and the feelings begin to turn. The investigation and their relationship heat up coincidentally. But Max is also hiding a BIG secret. And Vesper's nursing a long-broken heart and a vow to not open herself up again.


*Opinions and review are my own. I am grateful to Atria Books via NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

[Nancy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starstruck is an engaging novel that explores an alternate reality of London in the 1920's where traces of England’s magical past exist, but the use of magic has been outlawed. Prominent families still with magical powers to operate illegal speakeasies for a public still hungry for magic. Martha Walters creates a unputdownable story filled with interesting characters, emotional conflicts, and moments of self-discovery that keep readers invested from beginning to end - I read the entire novel in an afternoon.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its protagonist, Vesper, a woman in her mid 20's who is beautiful, sexy, smart and promiscuous that has made some questionable life choices in the past. She manages her family's speakeasy but is not taken very seriously by her family. When someone starts to tamper with the potions in her club, Vesper teams up with Max, who works for the government office in charge of enforcing the magical laws. Her journey during the book feels believable. Walters captures the excitement of success while also highlighting the pressures, sacrifices, and personal struggles that often accompany it.

The pacing is generally strong, with enough twists and emotional moments to maintain interest. Walters's writing style is accessible and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the settings and become immersed in the narrative. Themes of identity, friendship, ambition, and staying true to oneself are woven effectively into the plot, giving the story depth beyond its glamorous surface.

Overall, Starstruck is an entertaining and uplifting read that will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romances about ambition, and personal

Thank you to NetGalley and to Atria Books for an advance copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This magical, cozy mystery—heavy on the cozy—is like a hug in book form. Creative, clever, and full of charm.

I was immediately sold on this premise. I mean, what’s not to love about an alternate version of 1920s London in which magic is real (but prohibited!) and magical speakeasies exist.

Vesper Holloway, proprietress of one of these speakeasies, finds herself going toe-to-toe with Max Ashbridge. Not only does Max work for the agency enforcing the ban on magic, but he’s also her brother’s former friend, the same man who once spurned her advances. When patrons at several speakeasies begin experiencing worrisome side effects, Max and Vesper team up to uncover who’s behind the tainted magic and why.

Vesper is a young, flirtatious socialite, full of moxie, whereas Max is steadfast in his beliefs, rigid, and nearly impossible to read. This opposites-attract dynamic makes for some stellar banter, especially as the two slowly warm to one another.

But their relationship is more than just witty quips and chemistry. Beneath Vesper’s confidence is someone far more vulnerable than she lets on and, suffice it to say, Max has personal reasons for his strong opposition to magic. As they grow closer to solving the mystery, they also begin to understand each other in ways neither expected.

The mystery itself is low stakes, even by cozy mystery standards, but no less entertaining. Martha Waters excels at creating worlds and characters that feel engaging and believable, with a subtle, gentle sensibility that’s comforting without ever becoming boring.

Inventive, whimsical, and warm, this magical mystery romance is one I’d happily recommend.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Atria books for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Received from NetGalley

I knew almost immediately that I was going to enjoy Spellstruck. The artwork on the cover caught my attention right away, and once I discovered what was waiting between the pages—magic, bubbly, 1920s flappers, London’s posh society, detective work, and an enemies-to-lovers romance—I was completely enthralled.

I particularly loved the character development between Vesper and Max. Their relationship was such a wonderful take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. There was tension and plenty of entertaining banter, but without the overwhelming angst that can sometimes accompany the trope. Their dynamic felt refreshing and genuinely enjoyable to read.

In fact, Vesper and Max constantly reminded me of the characters from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and I mean that as the highest compliment. That familiar feeling made the story even more enjoyable for me and added to the charm of the whole experience.

The pacing and progression of the story were wonderfully comforting. There were certainly moments where I could predict what was coming next, but surprisingly, I think that was part of what made this such an enjoyable read. Sometimes knowing you’re heading toward something delightful doesn’t diminish the journey—it makes you want to settle in and enjoy the ride.

Between the magic, glamour, mystery, romance, and wonderfully atmospheric setting, Spellstruck checked so many of my favourite boxes. I would absolutely love to see a second book in this series, although I suppose I’ll have to be patient and wait!

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I’m actually a little sad that I finished it so quickly, and I can already tell this is one I’ll be returning to for a reread in the future.

A magical, glamorous, and thoroughly charming read.