All's Fae in Love and War: A sweet and spicy second chance romantasy

by Lee Nichols

Pandora Voss has one last summer to unlock her powers—or lose all memory of magic forever.

No pressure.

Pandora returns to her enchanted hometown in Maine to nurture the magic she knows must be inside her. Time is running out, and the last thing she needs is a distraction…

Which makes the return of her high-school heartbreak, Leo Carter, deeply inconvenient.

The handsome antiquarian bookseller has come back to the island in search of a rare book. Leo still has that warm, devastating smile that sets pulses racing wherever he goes… Not that Pandora has noticed because she is absolutely, completely over him.

But when an unexpected encounter at Leo’s family boathouse ends in a wildly sexy kiss, Pandora’s plans are blown apart. And when she’s “volunteered” to work with him at the library the next day, the tension between them unleashes a spell that goes spectacularly wrong.

As enchantments wreak havoc across the island, Pandora and Leo team up to save the town. Racing to contain fairytale creatures and dodging unresolved feelings, Pandora must decide what’s more untamed magic… or falling for Leo all over again.

With magical mayhem, spicy romance, and laugh-out-loud humor, All’s Fae in Love and War is the first book in a trilogy that’s perfect for fans of fantasy rom-coms like The Ex Hex and Rewitched.

It's impossible not to love All's Fae in Love and War:

“A smart, funny, big-hearted novel about discovery, friendship, family, love, hot romance… A five-star read!” New York Times bestselling author Melissa Senate

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Magic, Fantasy, Fae, Paranormal Romance, Second Chance

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 28, 2026

About the author

Lee Nichols is the author of five novels for adults, including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN. She'll be making her YA debut in 2010 with DECEPTION: A Haunting Emma Novel. Follow her on Twitter at LeeXNichols or Friend her on Facebook at Lee Nichols. http://www.leenicholsbooks.com/

Reviews

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-arc and an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Book Review: All’s Fae in Love and War✨

By: Lee Nichols

Spice: 🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

📚Review📚

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the advance listeners copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review*

If you want a summer rom-com fantasy beach read then this would be the perfect book.

We have Pandora, our spunky FMC, whose diary we are reading through out the book. This spicy, curly haired, fairyfolk who is about to come to her 30th birthday and has not yet shown her fae gift. We follow her back to her home town of Bean Island Massachusetts for her summer vacation, where she plans on focusing on the ✨magical moments✨. However, things suddenly change when her ex- high school boyfriend, and bookish MMC, Leo shows up.

Now we have Leo, our magically gifted book worm, fairyfolk is coming back to the island, reluctantly, due to his gift giving him the itch for a book. And after a dark encounter in his family’s boathouse brings him face to face with the girls heart he broke, Pandora. Now being back after years away, he has to face the fact that he still loves the girl who might get away.

With these two back together again, they find themselves in a “magical” mishap that takes the island by storm and tests their relationship in more ways than one.

The narrators for this audio book were what I could imagine these characters would sound like and was pleasantly surprised by the emotions that were expressed by both of them. The flow worked well and would be happy with other books by these narrators.

Overall, this was a chill book but probably not a series I will be coming back to.

Please note that all these are my own opinions and are to be taken with open minds and hearts 🩷

And as always…

💕Happy reading friends!!!💕

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to describe All’s Fae in Love and War in one sentence, I’d say it feels like a warm, chaotic, magical summer wrapped in fairy lights, unresolved heartbreak, and the kind of romance that makes you grin while reading. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into this whimsical coastal town in Maine where magic feels both enchanting and unpredictable, and honestly, I didn’t want to leave.

What I loved most about this novel was Pandora herself. She’s not the “perfect” fantasy heroine who instantly knows her destiny or handles everything gracefully. She’s anxious, uncertain, emotional, and trying so hard to prove herself before time runs out. That made her incredibly relatable. Her fear of losing magic forever doesn’t just feel like a fantasy problem—it mirrors the real-life fear of losing a part of yourself before you’ve truly discovered who you are. I found myself rooting for her not only to master her powers, but also to believe in herself.

And then there’s Leo Carter. The second-chance romance element was done so well because it never felt forced or overly dramatic. Leo has that classic charming-book-boy energy, but underneath the warm smile and chemistry, there’s history, regret, and genuine emotional depth. Their interactions are full of tension, sarcasm, awkwardness, and undeniable attraction, which made every scene between them entertaining. The boathouse kiss especially feels like the turning point where all the emotions they’ve buried come crashing back at once.

The magical chaos throughout the story was another highlight for me. Instead of taking itself too seriously, the book embraces the absurdity and fun of magic gone wrong. Fairytale creatures causing havoc, spells spiraling out of control, enchantments disrupting the town—it all creates this cozy fantasy atmosphere that feels cinematic and playful rather than dark or heavy. It reminded me why fantasy rom-coms are such a comforting genre: they balance emotional vulnerability with humor and wonder.

I also appreciated how the story explores family expectations, belonging, and rediscovering old versions of yourself. Returning to your hometown after years away is already emotionally complicated, and adding magic into that mix makes Pandora’s journey even more compelling. The setting itself almost feels alive—small-town Maine with enchanted secrets hidden beneath everyday life is such a perfect backdrop for this kind of story.

The romance is definitely spicy at times, but what makes it work is the emotional connection underneath it. The chemistry between Pandora and Leo isn’t just physical—it’s layered with nostalgia, heartbreak, familiarity, and unfinished feelings. Their relationship develops naturally through shared chaos and vulnerability rather than instant perfection.

What really surprised me was how funny the book is. The humor feels effortless, especially during magical disasters and awkward interactions. I laughed more than I expected to, and that balance between romance, comedy, and fantasy kept the pacing engaging throughout.

Overall, All’s Fae in Love and War is the kind of book that feels cozy, magical, and emotionally satisfying all at once. It’s perfect for readers who love second-chance romance, whimsical fantasy worlds, charming small-town settings, and stories that don’t shy away from both emotional depth and playful chaos. By the end, I felt attached not only to Pandora and Leo, but to the entire magical atmosphere of the island. It’s the kind of story that leaves you wanting the next book immediately.

[HereThereBeBookDragons | Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, the concept is charming and the cast of characters appropriately wacky for a small town romance series with a fantastical bent. And my goodness do I feel like going on a vacation to a beach town now that the weather is warming up and I read this book. But this was an incredibly aggravating read and I can't in good conscious recommend it.

Full disclosure: I finally gave up about 70% of the way through the book because I just couldn't stand Pandora anymore. I presume she eventually got over herself and made the appropriate apologies and whatnot, but honestly I was fast losing faith in the author so I can't promise anything. I normally don't review DNFs, but here I do feel like I read more than enough to give a comprehensive opinion, so here we are. Every problem I had with the story just kept getting worse every time there was a chance for character growth instead.

Problem 1: The entire romantic plot is The Miscommunication Trope, but even beyond that, it's miscommunication where the miscommunication is clearly identified - out loud, to both characters, as a clear miscommunication - quite early on in the story, but it persists, largely because of Problems 2 and 3.

Problem 2: It feels silly to accuse a literal main character of having Main Character Syndrome, but my god. Pandora lacks empathy for every other character, and even when they lay out exactly what they are feeling and why they are acting a certain way, she completely (and quite rudely, more often than not) discounts their explanations and feelings in favor of insisting that the world be run exactly as she sees fit. Seriously, the amount of times she is handed a gift-wrapped understanding of the world and others in it, and yet nothing.

Problem 3: Leo is too much of a wimp to explain things to her even after her misunderstanding of a passing remark he made as a teenager is explicitly explained to him, by both Pandora and additional side characters. Then again, perhaps he is avoiding the conversation because he knows Pandora will just ignore what he has to say in furtherance of her own assumptions.

Problem 4: You can't literally subtitle a book as being "spicy" and then fade to black. That's called lying to the reader, and they don't like it. (Also, what is even the point of fading to black if you're going to be fully explicit during the foreplay?)

Because I hate being entirely negative, a few more positives: there is some very witty writing - her long running joke/torture of her friend with language magic by using as many malapropisms as possible is extremely well-executed. Leo does pine well, and when things do get romantic he often expresses very swoon-worthy sentiments without getting cheesy. And again, the island community created feels very rich and lived in and still a charming fantasy all at the same time.

Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- Second world contemporary romantasy
- Small town
- Mischievous magical creatures
- Fae descendants

Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the invitation to read an advance copy.

[Jada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review.

Pandora returns to her childhood island for perhaps the last summer she'll have her memories of magic. She's fairykin, but if she doesn't receive her "gift" by the time she turns 30 in a few months, she will forget everything having to do with magic, replaced by mundane memories and confusion. Meeting back up with Leo, her high school boyfriend who broke her heart, complicates the summer. After powerful magic is released on the island, the two must team up to save the island and prevent disaster.

This was a sweet read with interesting magic and a lively cast of characters, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it very much.

I didn't find it to be as cozy as I thought it'd be, and the romance lacked the chemistry I was hoping. I started out loving Pandora, but she quickly became frustrating and annoying, acting more like a teenager than someone almost 30. She could have done without mentioning not needing a gift so often. I started out disliking Leo, but he grew on me, always pragmatic and logical. I thought their problems were silly; the two (particularly Pandora) never listened to the other. They were too wishy washy for no good reason, and I didn't find their dynamic funny at all, just frustrating.

The treatment/view of "normals" by the fairykin wasn't very nice, and I disliked that "normals" would get migraines and potentially permanent brain damage by being exposed to too much magic. And nobody except Leo took that seriously?? It's just not the cozy rom-com vibe I was expecting.

I did enjoy the ending, but I am pretty sure I would have DNF'd this book if it wasn't an advanced copy. It was still a nice story, and I'm sure it'll resonate with many other cozy fantasy rom-com lovers!

Narration Review: Ina Marie Smith's narration was lively and engaging. The audio was crisp and clear, a joy to listen to. Her character voices didn't vary as much as I typically like (the men in particular mostly sounded the same), but I was able to tell the characters apart just fine by the writing.

Christopher Ragland's energy was great, but the "s" sounds were really strong. I'm not sure if it was the audio mixing or just how he speaks, but the strong "s" sounds were pretty distracting. His character voices were not all that distinct, but I was still able to keep up with the dialog.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley, Bookoture Audio and Second Sky books for the Advance Reader & Listener Copy

🎧 Ina Marie Smith & Christopher Ragland
did a wonderful job narrating 🧡

Pandora Voss has one last summer to unlock her powers—or lose all memory of magic forever. Buuuuuut she’s adamant she doesn’t want/need a gift to be happy (really she just wants to be loved for who she is with or without a gift)

Her ex- boyfriend from high school, Leo, is also back for the summer. He’s a rare book seller and he’s usually galavanting around the world sourcing rare books with the help of his fae gift. The gift which has now lead him back to the island he grew up on.

Pan has no interest in reconnecting (even if he is still annoyingly attractive) coz he broke her heart in high school by claiming he could never love a “normal” - she overheard and was hurt and pisssssed.

Pan and Gabe (her friend with benefits) are the only 2 from the friendship group who haven’t had gifts yet and they are both approaching 30 (the cut off, bye bye memories of magic) and she wants one last summer making great memories whether she loses them or not.

But let’s just say a spell gets unleashed and shenanigans ensue where Leo and Pan have to work together to reign in the magical mayhem, and she has to resist his charms 😏

I had a really fun time with this one - loved the dynamics between the islanders, the faerie folk and our main characters. It really was giving small town - everyone in everyone’s business vibes that had me chuckling. And how they deal with the “normals” on the island too coz they can’t see/acknowledge magic or their tiny minds would explooooode(!)

There was plenty of banter and the romance was pretty swoony like 70% of the time but Pandora was grinding my gears a bit with the repetitiveness about not needing a gift. Like she really hammered that home.

Maybe drawing unnecessary parallels with the ticking clock etc and just coz I’m going through this atm but everyone forcing her to try and trigger her powers made me think of “WhEn ArE yOu GoInG tO hAvE a BaBy” chat 😂

I feel like the title is cool but doesn’t feel all that relevant to the actual story - but too nuanced 🤷🏼‍♀️

Miscommunication makes me mad 😠

Overall a whimsical tale that had the right amount of depth, humour and shenanigans. One to add to your read list 🧡

[costitanza (onetoomanybooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did you ever want to DNF a book at 85%? Weirdly specific, I know—but that’s exactly what happened to me with All Is Fae in Love and War.

And honestly? That’s frustrating, because this book had so much potential.

The plot is genuinely strong, and the worldbuilding is the standout element for me. The setting felt whimsical, cozy, and full of charm. I loved the island dynamics and the idea that every faekin has a gift—whether it’s something grand like moving boulders or something oddly specific like sensing rare books. Those little, seemingly useless powers gave the story so much personality and made the world feel alive.

My issue, unfortunately, was the FMC.

Pandora completely lost me as the story progressed. This is a second-chance romance built around a breakup that happened when they were teenagers: Leo, at 17, says he could never be with a non-faekin person, and Pandora—already insecure about never receiving her gift—overhears him, breaks things off, and avoids him for eight years.

At first, I was fully on her side. I understood her hurt, and I wanted her to stand firm in demanding to be loved fully and without conditions.

But the deeper the story goes, the more context we get—and the less her behavior worked for me. We learn how difficult it is for non-magical people to exist around magic, and how much Leo’s own family history shaped his fears and views. As those layers were revealed, Pandora became increasingly unreasonable in my eyes—not just about that conflict, but about many things. Her priorities often felt completely upside down, and instead of connecting with her, I found myself growing more irritated chapter after chapter.

By the time I reached 90%, in the middle of all the action, the main thing I was feeling was frustration.

That’s what makes this one such a disappointment. Beneath it all, there was the foundation for a whimsical, cozy fantasy romance that could have given me Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries vibes. Instead, it ended up being a 2-star read and a near-DNF.

I think this book would have been amazing, if the FMC behaviour actually improved during the book, like i understand her initial fears, but the meaning of character ARC is that the character should get better by the end, and not worst.

[Georgen Charnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, interesting worldbuilding: there are "fairykin" throughout the world - people who get a power, called a "gift," (sometimes less than useful) and while they can live anywhere, often live in small quirky communities open to "normals," like the one where this story is set. When you're born fairykin, you can see all the magical things fairykin can do with their gifts. However, if you don't get a "gift" by your 30th birthday, your brain goes "normal" and not only can't you see magic, but your memories of it are gone (making your memories like Swiss cheese) and you get migraines and brain damage if you're around magic too much. Interesting plot involving a magic illuminated manuscript bestiary of magical creatures.

Enter our main characters, a 29 year old woman with no gift and her ex, who has a great gift and a mom with no gift. They were high school sweethearts until she dumped him for saying he wanted a life partner with a gift. Understandably, she wants someone who'd love her no matter if she gets a gift or not. Understandably, he, after witnessing the pain and exclusion his mother has had to live through his whole life, continues to maintain that he wants to have a relationship in which he doesn't have to hide such an essential part of himself or fret about his love getting brain damage. It's an interesting conflict.

Unfortunately, both of them are too inarticulate and immature to resolve it. The FMC has the maturity of a 14 year old, narcissistically expecting her friends focus on her love life while they're trying to run businesses, demanding they not be friends with the ex high school boyfriend even though they all grew up together, and using a friend as a booty call. The MMC is not much better, being completely inarticulate about why he has said that he wants a partner with a gift. But her childish mooning over wanting to be loved for herself pales compared to the whole threat of brain damage. By the time they broke up for the third time, I was hoping whatever evil they've unlocked on the island would kill them both.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC

[Rainbowsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

​If you’re looking for a whimsical escape filled with magic, teenage yearning, and a dash of destiny, All’s Fae in Love and War is a delightful ride. This story follows Pandora, a fae-kin caught in a race against time. In this world, if you don't receive your magical gift by your 30th birthday, you lose your memories of magic forever and become human.

​What I Loved

​The World-Building: This is a "light fairytale" adventure in the best way possible. It’s packed with goblins, pixies, and inventive magical creations that kept me smiling throughout.

​The Narrative Voice: The story is told through Pandora’s perspective, often structured like her diary entries. It feels incredibly intimate—as if she’s speaking directly to you—which pulled me right into her head.

​The Emotional Core: At its heart, this is a story about teenage love and the heavy sacrifices one makes for it. It’s sweet, poignant, and full of "giggle-worthy" moments.

​Pacing: With over 50 chapters, it’s a substantial journey, but it never felt long. My curiosity stayed peaked from start to finish.

​The Spice: There is a light spice level (🌶️) that felt perfectly balanced. It added heat without overshadowing the whimsical tone of the plot.

​The Audio Experience

​I listened to this as an audiobook, and while the story itself was a joy, the production style was a bit unique.

​A Note on Narration: The chapters alternate between a male and female narrator. However, rather than performing just their own dialogue, each narrator performs all characters within their specific chapter. Hearing a male voice do the female lines (and vice versa) felt a little "odd" at first, though the strength of the story kept me hooked regardless!


​Final Verdict

​Despite the slightly unusual narration style, All’s Fae in Love and War is a beautiful, imaginative, and feel-good fantasy. If you enjoy stories about magical deadlines, cute creatures, and first loves, Pandora’s journey is one you don't want to miss.

​Perfect for fans of: Whimsical fae lore, diary-style narration, and sweet-but-spicy romances.

[Gabby S-Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3/5 stars
All’s Fae in Love and War by Lee Nichols is a cozy fantasy romance set in a charming small coastal Maine town during the summer. It’s a light, easy audiobook that leans into a low-stakes, magical atmosphere with plenty of whimsical elements.
One of the highlights for me was the unique magic system. Fae Kin either come into their powers by age 30 or lose their memories and ability to see or use magic entirely. This added an interesting layer of tension to the story, and I enjoyed the variety of magical creatures woven throughout the town.
The romance follows a second-chance, childhood friends-to-lovers dynamic. While I appreciated the emotional foundation between the characters, the central conflict felt somewhat repetitive and unclear at times. The couple’s initial breakup—centered around whether the FMC would come into her powers—seems to be resolved, only to resurface again later without adding much new depth. Because of this, I found the FMC’s reactions frustrating at times, especially when the MMC appeared to be making genuine efforts to prove himself.
The pacing picks up significantly toward the end, with a burst of action that was engaging and added excitement to the story.
The audiobook narration was a standout. Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland delivered strong performances, with clear, expressive dialogue. The dual narration format—alternating between the FMC’s first-person diary entries and the MMC’s third-person “notes”—worked well and added variety to the listening experience.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers looking for a cozy, low-spice, low-stakes summer fantasy romance with a unique magical premise and strong narration.
Tropes / What to Expect:
* Second chance romance
* Childhood friends to lovers
* Small town summer setting
* He falls first
* FMC in 1st person (diary format)
* MMC in 3rd person (“notes” style)
* Cozy fantasy
* Low spice (mostly closed door)
* Mild recreational drug use (magic-enhancing edibles)
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairykin are the distant kin of the now very gone fairyfolk - they reside on an enchanted island off the coast of Maine where magic (gifts) are part of their everyday life. Each fairykin must come into their gift before turning 30 or they lose their ability to see and experience the magic of this island. They bcome 'normals' and interacting with too much magic is not overly good for them.
Pandora has come back from Boston to experience one last summer of magic as she has not come into her gift and 30 is looming. She has lots of memories to make even if the magical element of them will be forgotten without a gift. The only thing she wants to avoid this summer is Leo, the boy now man who broke her heart many years before when he declared he could never love a normal for ever. Pandora doesn't understand the reasons Leo feels this way.
This audio book was really good fun and there was lots to love about the world Lee Nichols built. Pandora's family and friends were delightful helping to build a strong sense of community around both her and Leo. The magical creatures were a joy and I definitely would have enjoyed spending time with the pixies or watching the brownies cause gentle chaos.
However, I didn't love the romance between Leo and Pandora - they started to really irritate me towards the end with the lack of communication about how they both felt about gifts and 'normals'. I just wanted them to have a clear conversation about what all the hang-ups were. They almost did this a few times and then derailment occurred again.
The style of the book is really interesting with a diary set-up for Pandora and notes on Leo's book discoveries to introduce his chapters. The narrators were very expressive and it was easy to immerse yourself in this story.
Overall this is a good romantasy that just didn't completely work for me. Others may reall enjoy the to and fro of it all. Worth a listen if you like magical worlds with a little bit of mystery and intrigue.
Thanks Netgalley, Bookoture Audio and Second Sky books for the chance to experience this audio book.

[Gemma Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora doesn't care if she gets her gift, it's never been priority.
She returns to her home island for the summer, where magic is in abundance. Due to it being where most fae live. To have one last magical summer (a precaution Incase her gift doesn't come in).

Leo a rare book seller.
Travels the world searching for books using his fae magic to aid him.
His magic is calling him home. A book is needing to be discovered.

The thing is Leo and Pandora ex lovers, Pandora doesn't want to see him again.
Leo doesn't understand why they broke up.
The romance is sweet and fun and I liked reading about their past, it really helped see why Pandora held a grudge.

Overall it was a joy to read. I enjoyed every second!
Fun, witty and magical.
The characters are a delight. I love how the people of the island connect and support each other.
Pandora’s mum is brilliant. Love her.
And I feel for Leo and his dad, as if a fae doesn’t get magic before they are 30, they lose all knowledge of magic and, sadly, Leo’s mum lost her magic. Yet Leo and his dad are fae, so they try to protect her from it. It’s a very difficult situation, and you really feel for the family.
Leo and Pandora’s families bonding was really sweet and realistic!

I love the magic and how it works. I really like how it fits in the modern world and how they manage ‘normals’ with the magic on the island! Which is hilarious at times.
The writing is descriptive, and I loved how easy it was to picture the world in my head because of the brilliant writing.
There is a bit of miscommunication, and I am normally one to hate it. However, it is not a bother at all. It doesn't consume the whole story and feels natural. Especially, with everything that’s going on the island.

The magical creatures have my heart! They are an amazing addition to the story. I love brownies!!
It has some unexpected turns and the ending. Also unexpected!
A great book.
Thank you for allowing me to read this early!!

[Rebecca Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to All’s Fae in Love and War as an audiobook, and overall—it was a fun, cozy time, even if it didn’t completely wow me.

The standout here is the worldbuilding. The concept of “fairykin”—people who develop magical “gifts” (sometimes hilariously useless)—is genuinely unique. If you don’t get your gift by 30, your brain basically reboots to “normal,” wiping your memories of magic and making magic physically harmful to you. Add in quirky fairy communities, a magical bestiary manuscript, and lots of whimsical chaos, and I was fully sold on the setting.

The vibes are very light, whimsical, small-town cozy with a touch of magical nonsense—and I loved that. It’s easy to sink into without feeling overwhelmed, and honestly, the world carried the book for me. I adored the community, Pandora’s family dynamics, and the general enchanted slice-of-life feel.

The romance, though… was a bit hit or miss. Pandora and Leo have chemistry, but Leo made me sigh more than once—like, sir, think before you speak. Their on-and-off dynamic also got repetitive, and since it’s pretty obvious where things are going, the journey there dragged a little.

Pandora’s friends leaned a bit immature, though you could argue they’re just chaotic free spirits living their best magical lives.

The audiobook narration was solid, and I especially enjoyed the dual narration—it added a lot to the experience.

Overall: a cozy, whimsical romantasy with great worldbuilding and charm, but a romance that didn’t fully land for me. I kind of wish it leaned more into cozy fantasy than romance, because those elements were delightful.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3—but I do see potential for the series to grow in future books.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy of this book by Lee Nichols. Publication date 28/05/26. This is the first in the series Fae Isle Trilogy. I listened to the audio version.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly the fun, cosy, cute and magical romance story I wanted it to be and I'm so happy for it.

The book quickly builds out the world and the magic so you get up to speed with that quickly. It also gives you a sense of each of the characters super quickly so you are right in with the friend and family banter and feel like you've known the characters for years.

The magic system is really interesting with each person needing to unlock a unique gift (and then figure out what that gift is) before their 30 birthday or they lose all memory of and ability to mentally process magic. There is also some prejudice towards those who don't find their gift or who have no magic, which felt like an added touch of realism (unfortunately).

The story itself was fast paced and lots of fun. I adored all the magical creatures and the slow build up to the final peril.

When it came to the relationship aspect, second chance romances are not my cup of tea but this wasn't too bad. Yes, a lot could have been solved with an honest conversation but they got there in the end. There was also a sense that the couple needed to grow up apart from each other in order to make it work.

I really enjoyed the dual POV chapters and the dual narrators throughout the book, as you got a better sense of the FMC and MMC (even if I did want to shout at them to just talk to each other). The narrators were excellent too and I really enjoyed listening to the book.

If you're a fan of romances with a touch of magic while still being set in the real world, you'll enjoy this. I'm excited for the next story from Bean Island.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture audio for the chance to listen and review this book. While I was given a copy to review, these are my honest thoughts:
I was REALLY excited for this book and immediately requested it- witches on an island finding other fae (good or bad, we'll need to see) is already up my alley, but add in a second chance romance between people who were once friends and lovers? YES. PLEASE. Throw in that our female lead might be on the verge of losing her powers (and memories?) forever? The stakes are HIGH. Other sweet bits of this story are the weird but endearing twin besties, quirky and meddlesome parents, and her ex's friend from high school who maybe always had a crush on our FMC.
Now, my biggest complaint? Pandora. Our FMC is, dare I say, insufferable. I really respected at first when she was standing her ground on not needing a gift and just wanting to live in the moment that summer in case she loses her memories on her birthday. And when Pan DOES get her gift? She is absolutely BLINDED by how bad things are getting, taking everything that Leo and other suspicious friends warn about the fae personally. Worse yet, she is SO mean to Leo and refuses to work through what broke them apart in the first place. Even when she learns WHY he feels the way he does, she still takes it personally when I thought that would be her turning point.
And Leo was equally frustrating at times. It's either "woe is me and my dad taking care of my mother" or "I am superior to those around me because my gift is so strong". However, he's slightly less irksome than Pandora. But either way, I had no desire to root for these two to get together.
I might be being a bit *too* harsh, but I just could not relate to them or want them together.
Now, the story is fine. the narrators did a fantastic job! Both definitely put a lot of feeling into the narration, proper emphasis and pacing, and they definitely held my attention, when some audiobooks I struggle to focus on.
Overall, I'd probably give the story a 2.5/5, but I'm rounding up to 3/5 because the audiobook was well done. Thank you very much NG!

[Toni Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

All’s Fae in Love and War ✨🧚‍♀️

A whimsical, cosy, magical romance set in a small Maine town that’s only accessible by boat. Why? Because its residents are descended from fae kin, each destined to receive a magical ‘gift’ by their 30th birthday—or lose their memories of magic forever.

Pandora, our FMC, is about to turn 30 and still hasn’t received her gift. She returns home for the summer, where friends and family are determined to help her… but there’s just one problem: she doesn’t want her gift. Why?

Enter Leo—her ex-boyfriend and the reason why. Back when they were teenagers, he told her he’d break up with her if she never got her gift… therefore she dumps him as she’s more than just her ‘gift’.

I loved the dual POV diary format. It added so much humour and depth, especially seeing emotions the characters wouldn’t normally admit out loud.

Leo was such a refreshing MMC—blonde, a little nerdy, but still built like a gladiator. I adored him. 💛 so different to the normal tall dark and handsome we see from some many MMC.

Pandora, on the other hand, felt a bit younger than her age, and I would’ve liked more character growth. The on-again/off-again romance also had a few too many breakups for my taste and it got a little repetitive to the story line.

The magical elements really made this story shine—especially the pixies 🧚‍♀️

Overall, a fun, cosy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light, magical, and romantic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Geeah Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Audiobook.

This let me down. No other way to say it. I had high hopes after the first 5 chapters. The world and magic around this story is so cool. In this world, fairykin are able to use magic and see magic being used. Every fairykin has a chance to get their magic. The magic varies from being able to cook to finding lost books, there was nothing off limits to the magic. However, if you didn't find your magic by 30 you lost all memory of being fairykin and any magic at all. Our FMC is turning 30 this year and she is determined that she will have a fulfilled life whether she gets her magic or not. BUT. She only thinks this way because she overheard her high school boyfriend saying he can't be with a normal person. Yes, that's a horrible thing to say but instead of telling him what she heard she holds onto this grudge for years never even giving him the chance to explain his reasoning. Mind you, he has such a good reason on why he doesn't want to marry or be in love with someone without magic. Not taking his personal reasons, 'normals' cannot see the magic. Whenever someone uses magic, their brain can't comprehend what's happening and they get headaches some can get brain damage.
This takes me to one of my issues with this book. Our FMC finds her magic and brings about these fairies and gnomes that start terrorizing the town. This is a tourist town. The tourist doesn't know what's going on. Leo makes it clear that this is a bad idea and Pandora ignores it. Suddenly everyone is surprised when there's no more tourist! This was such an interesting idea! Opening up old magic to the whole and having to solve how to get rid of it so it doesn't destroy the world but people as well and it just fell so completely flat because of our FMC Pandora. She was insufferable. I got so annoyed being in her head I had to speed this audiobook up to 3x just to get through her chapters.
I won't rant anymore, just know I had hopes that this was going to be 5 stars and I'm let down.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

All’s Fae in Love and War – Lee Nichols
Pub Date: 28 May 2026
If you’re looking for a light, magical escape with just the right mix of romance, humour, and chaos, All’s Fae in Love and War delivers exactly that.
This story follows Pandora Voss as she returns to her enchanted hometown with one goal: unlock her powers before time runs out. What she doesn’t plan for is the return of her first heartbreak, Leo Carter — and the undeniable chemistry that still lingers between them. Their dynamic brings a fun second-chance romance element that feels easy to fall into, especially with the added tension of magic spiralling out of control around them.
The small-town fae setting is a refreshing change from the usual sprawling fantasy worlds. It feels cosy, intimate, and full of personality, which really complements the magical mishaps and playful tone of the story. There’s a strong rom-com energy throughout, with moments that genuinely make you smile while still keeping the stakes just high enough to stay invested.
While the plot follows some familiar fantasy romance beats and can feel a little fast-paced in places, it doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. This is very much a “sit back and enjoy the ride” kind of read rather than something overly complex or heavy.
Overall, this is a charming, low-stress fantasy that’s perfect when you want something fun, magical, and easy to get lost in. A great start to what promises to be an entertaining trilogy.

Rating: 4 stars

#FantasyRomance
#FaeBooks
#BookTokUK
#RomComReads
#EasyReads

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review All’s Fae in Love and War.

Pandora Voss returns to her childhood town for one final summer, determined to unlock her faerie gift before she loses her connection to magic forever. Complicating things further, Leo—her high school love, with whom things ended badly—is also back in town… cue magical chaos, fairytale creatures, romance, and plenty of banter ✨

This book had so much potential. The plot felt fresh, and the magic system was both unique and imaginative. However, I found Pandora to be quite an immature protagonist. I struggled to connect with her, as she often seemed indecisive—saying one thing but doing another—which made her actions and interactions, especially with her friends, frustrating at times. Her relationship with Leo also felt a bit forced, and I didn’t really sense much chemistry between them. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, and unfortunately it was a recurring issue between Pandora and Leo. Rather than communicating openly and maturely, they seemed stuck in the mindset of their 17-year-old selves, still navigating the same patterns from their teenage relationship years later.

That said, I enjoyed the world-building. The idea that each fae has a distinct and individual gift—whether it’s sensing rare books or shaping clouds into animals—was incredibly creative and engaging. It had all the ingredients for a whimsical, cosy read, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully land for me.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏻

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF-d at 20%
The premise of All’s Fae in Love and War was promising. The concept of there being "fairykin" throughout the world who are gifted powers because of distant fae heritage who could live anywhere but choose live in small communities that "non-fairykin" can visit sounded incredibility charming. Ans it was, until it wasn’t. Pandora, our FMC who is about to turn 30 and potentially forget everything she knows about fairykin since she has not received her gift yet, started out as fairly relatable and quickly started to feel immature. She’s avoided her high school sweetheart/ex, Leo, for years after overhearing him tell friends at a party that he could never marry a “normie”. Miscommunication/lack of communication is a trope I really dislike and even early in All’s Fae in Love and War it is clear that if they just sat down and talked about WHY Leo felt this way … which in my opinion was valid … things could be resolved rather quickly. And Leo’s why: His mom never received her gift and with her memories of magic gone, she gets migraines if she’s around magic for long periods of time (since her brain is trying to fill in the gaps … this happens to any faekin who doesn’t receive their gift). It’s also mentioned that this could lead to brain damage and while characters acknowledge this, the only person who seems to care is Leo. Based on how I was feeling I decided to read other reviews and it confirmed my suspicions that the things I wasn’t liking weren’t going to get better. Disappointed since I loved the concept of a small magical town off the coast of New England.

[Keri Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy of this book by Lee Nichols. Publication date 5/28/26. This is the first in the series Fae Isle Trilogy. I listened to the audio version. Opinions below are my own.

Pandora’s hometown in Maine is magical… as in she and many others are fae, living in harmony with “normals”. The fae have to discover their gift by the time they turn thirty, or it is gone, along with any magical memories from their lives. Pandora grew up around Leo, who got his gift at a young age - their views on the gifts tire apart their young romance and they’ve not seen each other much since. However, they are both back for the summer.

Pandora & Leo are drawn back together, in spite of past hurts. When a spell is unleaded, fairytale creatures are released and cause chaos. Some people love these new creatures, but Leo is concerned. There is more at stake than their relationship.

This was a fun book, and I enjoyed the fae world that the author created, along with so many interesting characters. Pandora’s friends come across a bit immature, but perhaps it’s just that they are free spirits enjoying their enchanted lives. I enjoyed the dynamics with Pandora & Leo’s parents, as well as the community the author created. It was a fun fantasy romance that is the beginning of a new trilogy.

3-1/2 stars rounded to 3. However, I can see potential for this to grow more in future books.

[Elisabeth Stup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books and Lee Nichols for the ALC in exchange for honest review.

Okay, this was fun! Second chance romances are one of my favorite reads. Add in some fantasy and even better! The story begins with Pandora, a Fae who hasn't come into her power yet. Here's the catch, if you don't get your power by age 30, all your memories of magic are completely wiped and you live as a human. And any magic you unintentionally see, your brain fills in the dots with something that makes sense. But if this happens too often, you end up with migraines and confusion.

Pandora has never understood the need for a gift. Ever since she overheard her high school boyfriend say he cod never be with a Fae who didn't have their gift, she's sort of made it her personality to go about life not caring if she ever gets her gift.

So, it's the last summer before she turns 30 and Pandora returns to her hometown for one last hurrah with magical memories. She runs into her ex and through a series of comical events, ends up organizing books with him as part of the library. When she does indeed come into her gift, all sorts of chaos ensues and Pandora thinks she's responsible. And feels like she must get to the bottom of it in order to restore peace and have a chance at her on-again romance.

The chemistry between Pandora and Leo was so cute! There was a tiny bit of miscommunication/poor wording while conversing, but not much. And this is coming from someone who cannot stand the miscommunication trope.

All the parents in the story were hilarious and I love the side characters. The audiobook narration was wonderful and overall this book was just fun! Add to your TBR as this one comes out May 28th!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

All’s Fae in Love and War was a fun, cozy romantasy that I definitely enjoyed…even if it didn’t fully wow me.

The vibes here are very whimsical, light magic, a little chaos, and a lot of banter. The magical system actually felt pretty unique, which kept things interesting, and it was really easy to settle into the world without feeling overwhelmed.

The romance is very front and center, and Pandora and Leo definitely have chemistry. That said…Leo had me shaking my head more than once. There were multiple moments where he said or did things that just felt so obviously not thought through, especially in how they would land with Pandora, and I was very much like sir…be serious right now.

The on-and-off dynamic between them also got a little repetitive at times. You know pretty early on where things are headed romantically, so it’s more about the journey getting there—and for me, that journey dragged just a bit in places.

That said, I really enjoyed the humor, especially Pandora’s interactions with side characters like Deja and her twin brother. They added a lot of charm and were some of my favorite moments.

Overall, this was a solid, cozy romantasy that was easy to read and entertaining, even if it didn’t completely stand out for me. I’m a little on the fence about continuing the series, but I am curious to see who the next book will follow.

[Kathryn Vanner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for a honest review!

All’s Fae in Love and War is described as a ‘sweet and spicy’ second chance romantasy, and is the first book published within the Fae Isle Triology.

Overall I’d rate this 2-2.5/5 stars ✨

This is a short first book for a romantasy series, coming in at just over 11 hours of listening time. I was able to finish this in two sittings, however I didn’t rush back to finish and when I did was slightly disappointed.

It’s a very light hearted read in a fantasy world which had interesting magic and a variety of creatures… however I feel like there was room for so much more! I feel as if the main characters lacked chemistry at times and the pacing didn’t feel even throughout. Towards the end there was a lot of action, however I struggled to get there sadly.

The content itself did meet the sweet romantasy vibes of more of a teenage/ young-love story, but had minimal spice if that’s something that’s a deal breaker for you. It will deffo be some people’s cup of tea if your looking for a cozy romance with a sprinkle of fantasy, but sadly this one wasn’t for me and doubt I’ll continue with the series.

The narrator’s themselves were great, they were very engaging and audio was a treat to listen to!

[Ulrike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pandora returns to her home island of Beane for the summer. As faerie-kin, she is expected to unlock her magical gift before her thirtieth birthday—otherwise, she will become a normal person and lose all memories connected to magic. While Pandora firmly believes that she can be a complete and worthy person without magic, everyone around her pressures her to get her gift.
At the same time, Leo—her childhood friend, now more attractive than ever—reappears in her life, and a mysterious magical book begins to unleash faerie creatures into the world of Beane. Caught between expectations, emotions, and unexpected chaos, Pandora must figure out what she truly wants—and how to protect what matters most to her.
I found this story utterly delightful. It is filled with wit, magic, warmth, and romance. I immediately grew fond of the main characters, the (good) faerie creatures are absolutely charming, the dialogue is lively, and the family and friendship dynamics feel genuinely warm and uplifting. I especially appreciated that the story didn’t always unfold the way I expected—and the ending is simply swoon-worthy. I’m very happy to hear that the author is planning sequels.
A light, funny, and heartwarming fantasy with a vibrant and lovable heroine.

[bad.mad.wisreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical story about second chances, finding yourself, and a bit of magic!

Pandora Voss is has a year to get her faerie-kin gift before her life changes. Pandora, hurt after overhearing her high school sweetheart say he wouldn’t be with a normal, decides she doesn’t need a gift. And girl stick with that mindset for years- holding onto the grudge like it’s her job. She goes back home to Beane to get one last magical summer in.

Leo, the gifted ex, heads home to Beane in search of a book he has calling for. With a glimpse of Pan he realizes he never really got over her. What ensues with pure magical chaos.

Pixies, brownies and gnomes, oh my! An absolute gem of a story. The concept was fun and downright cute. The side characters held their own and were even most interesting than our main two characters. I read this very quickly and loved the whimsy of it.

Pandora held on too hard to her grudge and didn’t hear Leo out. It became the same situation over and over again and the story lost a bit of the charm due to this. At times it felt like the characters were younger than they actually were, it was hard to believe with Pan that she was 29 with how she acted.

The ending hurt. How dare they do that to Bob

Overall I really enjoyed this book!

[Chelsea | Mrs Viking Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook wise, this was such a strong performance. Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland both do a fantastic job bringing the dual POVs to life. Special shoutout to Ina - her voice is so soothing I genuinely think I could listen to her narrate anything. My only small gripe is that in each POV, they voice the other character instead of switching - when both narrators are right there, I’d love to hear them each consistently voice their own characters across chapters. It’s a minor thing, but it did pull me out slightly at times.

Story wise, this was fun, magical, and genuinely engaging. The world building is charming, the magic system feels fresh, and there’s a great balance of humour, romance, and chaos. I really enjoyed the characters individually - Pandora’s journey especially kept me invested.

That said, while the chemistry between Pan and Leo is definitely there on a physical level, I struggled to fully buy into them as a couple. Their core beliefs and desires felt quite at odds, and the constant tension between those differences made it hard for me to root for them longterm. Cute? Yes. Convincing as endgame? I’m not entirely sold.

Overall, though, this is a delightful fantasy rom-com with plenty of heart, magic, and mayhem

[Cave's · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed All’s Fae in Love and War! Lee Nichols has created a fantastic, original story that felt fresh, engaging, and magical. A cozy adventure from start to finish.
The highlight for me was the world building; the island setting felt unique and whimsical. I found myself completely immersed in the lore and loved how the characters reunited with the female main character. Meeting each one felt like natural and warm.
I listened to this via audiobook, and while the story itself is a 4.5-star experience, the narration was off for me. While it was good overall, I struggled with the male narrator’s portrayal of the female voices during his chapters, which occasionally pulled me out of the moment. Luckily, those instances weren't too frequent, and the story was engaging enough to keep me focused.
Since this is the first book in a trilogy, I’m already looking forward to the second book. I’m excited to return to the island and dive back into this lighthearted, creative magic system!
Thank you to the Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Listening Copy. All opinions are my own!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun romantasy that brings family and characters together. I like the whimsical setting of Maine.

Pandora returns to her enchanted hometown in Maine to nurture the magic she knows must be inside her. Time is running out, and the last thing she needs is a distraction…

Which makes the return of her high-school heartbreak, Leo Carter, deeply inconvenient.

The handsome antiquarian bookseller has come back to the island in search of a rare book. Leo still has that warm, devastating smile that sets pulses racing wherever he goes… Not that Pandora has noticed because she is absolutely, completely over him.

But when an unexpected encounter at Leo’s family boathouse ends in a wildly sexy kiss, Pandora’s plans are blown apart. And when she’s “volunteered” to work with him at the library the next day, the tension between them unleashes a spell that goes spectacularly wrong.

As enchantments wreak havoc across the island, Pandora and Leo team up to save the town. Racing to contain fairytale creatures and dodging unresolved feelings, Pandora must decide what’s more untamed magic… or falling for Leo all over again.

[Zoe]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pandora returns to her magical, fairy-kin home on a small island in Maine for the summer and reunites with her first love Leo. Though there was some interesting world-building and an intriguing take on the concept of being descended from the fae, I found it lacked the whimsy and cozy vibes I was hoping for. If you love romance-focused books, this may be more your vibe than it was mine.

The final chapters are where it finally got interesting in regards to the main conflict and I finally felt like there was any chemistry between the two main characters. The dialogue is quite immature and, in honestly, it was only because I had so long in the car that I finished listening this book. It is possible that reading this one rather than listening would improve the experience because it is in POV journal format, however the quality of the audiobook was excellent. I'd be curious to see this book with an edit because I think it has a lot of potential and the story has good bones. I would have liked to spend more time in the main conflict than the love-interest on-off-on conflict.