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All's Fae in Love and War: Fae Isle Trilogy, Book 1
A sweet and spicy second chance romantasy
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 .
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 .
Audible Audio
Published May 28, 2026
About the author
Lee Nichols
27 books384 followersLee 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/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for an Audio-ARC of All's Fae in Love and War by Lee Nichols with narrators Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland.
All thoughts and reviews are solely my own.
3.75 Stars (4.5 Stars for audiobook with narration by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland)
Synopsis:
Pandora returns home to see her family and experience her last summer of magic before she turns 30 and all her memories of magic disappear. That is unless, somehow, she can find her gift. The one magical thing that is truly hers. But she’s ready to let go of the memories and magic. She’s always known she was enough without magic.
Too bad her high-school heartbreak and neighbor, Leo Carter, is also back in town. The handsome antiquarian bookseller is on the hunt for a rare book, his own magical gift bringing him home to search for it. A hot and heavy kiss shared in his boathouse and their parents pushing them to work together on a project at the local library are the start of a disastrous, exciting, magical, and steamy summer.
Review:
Audio:
Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland did a fantastic job pulling me into the world of the Fae Isle Trilogy. The second-chance love story of Pan and Leo was brought to the next level with these two amazing narrators. Ina let Pan shine through her performance, I really hope we get more from this couple and narrators in the future of this trilogy.
Story:
A fun, flirty romantasy filled with second-chance romance, magical creatures, filing out what belonging really means, and what it takes to trust and love after heartbreak.
I WISH there was a way that I could be a fae-descendent and visit Bean Island as it is ABSOLUTELY somewhere I would love to visit and maybe live. The enchantment of the island is felt throughout the book in the same way you feel the connection between Leo and Pan.
I really enjoyed the chapter formats as diary entries from Pan and notes from Leo’s travels when finding books. While the bulk of the story happens within Pan’s chapters, we get to learn about Leo and what makes him tick through his notes. The running score Pan keeps at the beginning of each chapter can be funny, sad, or entertaining depending on what’s happening and I loved it.
The overall story is filled with magical moments, amazing characters (I really hope to see all of them again in the future), and a mix of romance, mystery, action, and humor. It’s everything I would want in a summer romance listen and I highly recommend it for that!
My only frustration is with Pan repeatedly falling back on childhood heartbreak regardless of Leo’s explanations and consistent, repeated reassurances of love. At some point a girls got to move on or come up with something else to use as reasoning to pull back.
All thoughts and reviews are solely my own.
3.75 Stars (4.5 Stars for audiobook with narration by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland)
Synopsis:
Pandora returns home to see her family and experience her last summer of magic before she turns 30 and all her memories of magic disappear. That is unless, somehow, she can find her gift. The one magical thing that is truly hers. But she’s ready to let go of the memories and magic. She’s always known she was enough without magic.
Too bad her high-school heartbreak and neighbor, Leo Carter, is also back in town. The handsome antiquarian bookseller is on the hunt for a rare book, his own magical gift bringing him home to search for it. A hot and heavy kiss shared in his boathouse and their parents pushing them to work together on a project at the local library are the start of a disastrous, exciting, magical, and steamy summer.
Review:
Audio:
Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland did a fantastic job pulling me into the world of the Fae Isle Trilogy. The second-chance love story of Pan and Leo was brought to the next level with these two amazing narrators. Ina let Pan shine through her performance, I really hope we get more from this couple and narrators in the future of this trilogy.
Story:
A fun, flirty romantasy filled with second-chance romance, magical creatures, filing out what belonging really means, and what it takes to trust and love after heartbreak.
I WISH there was a way that I could be a fae-descendent and visit Bean Island as it is ABSOLUTELY somewhere I would love to visit and maybe live. The enchantment of the island is felt throughout the book in the same way you feel the connection between Leo and Pan.
I really enjoyed the chapter formats as diary entries from Pan and notes from Leo’s travels when finding books. While the bulk of the story happens within Pan’s chapters, we get to learn about Leo and what makes him tick through his notes. The running score Pan keeps at the beginning of each chapter can be funny, sad, or entertaining depending on what’s happening and I loved it.
The overall story is filled with magical moments, amazing characters (I really hope to see all of them again in the future), and a mix of romance, mystery, action, and humor. It’s everything I would want in a summer romance listen and I highly recommend it for that!
My only frustration is with Pan repeatedly falling back on childhood heartbreak regardless of Leo’s explanations and consistent, repeated reassurances of love. At some point a girls got to move on or come up with something else to use as reasoning to pull back.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook.
This was a fun read with an interesting premise and some solid world building. Going in they described this as romantasy, but I’d categorize this more as a cozy paranormal romance with a second-chance romance at its core (plus a healthy dose of the miscommunication trope).
The FMC and MMC were high school sweethearts whose relationship imploded after the FMC overheard the MMC say something out of context. She immediately dumps him and spends the next 11 years hating him, implausibley even though their families are next-door neighbors and their parents remain best friends. My biggest struggle with this setup is that she never once asks for an explanation, which made the conflict feel frustrating rather than compelling. Plus, if she considered context for even a moment, she would have been able to at least realize a conversation was needed but alas, she was self absorbed.
Fast forward to just before her 30th birthday, and they are both back home visiting their parents.. MMC seems to have matured into a fairly likable character, though I did cringe a bit at his repeated self-description as “controlling,” including “controlling in bed,” which felt more off-putting than swoon-worthy for me. (NOT a flex).
Unfortunately, the FMC didn’t feel like she had the same growth. She came across as immature and often difficult to root for. Without spoilers, when something magical and life-changing happens, she becomes so wrapped up in the excitement of it that she can’t even consider potential negative consequences, leading to reactions that felt more tantrum-like than understandable.
That said, I do think this book has good bones. The premise is fun, the magical elements are engaging, and there’s definitely an audience for this kind of low-stakes, lighthearted paranormal romance. I just found the character growth lacking, which made it harder for me to fully connect.
As for the audiobook, it was okay. The narration style felt more exaggerated and less nuanced than what I typically gravitate toward, particularly with the female narrator. I could absolutely see this appealing to readers who enjoy cozy, low-stress paranormal romances, but for me, it didn’t feel as polished or emotionally layered as other books in the genre.
Overall: lighthearted, easy to listen to, and fun in concept—but not quite as well executed as I’d hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook.
This was a fun read with an interesting premise and some solid world building. Going in they described this as romantasy, but I’d categorize this more as a cozy paranormal romance with a second-chance romance at its core (plus a healthy dose of the miscommunication trope).
The FMC and MMC were high school sweethearts whose relationship imploded after the FMC overheard the MMC say something out of context. She immediately dumps him and spends the next 11 years hating him, implausibley even though their families are next-door neighbors and their parents remain best friends. My biggest struggle with this setup is that she never once asks for an explanation, which made the conflict feel frustrating rather than compelling. Plus, if she considered context for even a moment, she would have been able to at least realize a conversation was needed but alas, she was self absorbed.
Fast forward to just before her 30th birthday, and they are both back home visiting their parents.. MMC seems to have matured into a fairly likable character, though I did cringe a bit at his repeated self-description as “controlling,” including “controlling in bed,” which felt more off-putting than swoon-worthy for me. (NOT a flex).
Unfortunately, the FMC didn’t feel like she had the same growth. She came across as immature and often difficult to root for. Without spoilers, when something magical and life-changing happens, she becomes so wrapped up in the excitement of it that she can’t even consider potential negative consequences, leading to reactions that felt more tantrum-like than understandable.
That said, I do think this book has good bones. The premise is fun, the magical elements are engaging, and there’s definitely an audience for this kind of low-stakes, lighthearted paranormal romance. I just found the character growth lacking, which made it harder for me to fully connect.
As for the audiobook, it was okay. The narration style felt more exaggerated and less nuanced than what I typically gravitate toward, particularly with the female narrator. I could absolutely see this appealing to readers who enjoy cozy, low-stress paranormal romances, but for me, it didn’t feel as polished or emotionally layered as other books in the genre.
Overall: lighthearted, easy to listen to, and fun in concept—but not quite as well executed as I’d hoped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pandora Voss is a fairykin on the verge of turning thirty, returning from Boston to her childhood island community with the pressure of manifesting her inherited gift before a looming deadline changes her life. Leo Carter, an antiquarian bookseller with a rare-book-focused gift, comes back to the island on a search that pulls him into Pandora’s orbit despite their unresolved high-school history. Around them is a tight-knit network of family, friends, and townspeople whose everyday routines are intertwined with small enchantments, along with a rotating cast of mischievous fairytale creatures—pixies, gnomes, brownies, and other beings—that complicate life when magic slips its leash.
The story is set on an enchanted island off the coast of Maine where fairykin live with an accepted undercurrent of magic, each person expected to come into a distinct gift by age thirty. Those who do not awaken their power begin to lose their connection to enchantment as memories rewrite themselves into mundane explanations, and extended exposure to magic can have harmful physical effects for the ungifted. When a spell misfires and releases chaotic enchantments and storybook creatures across the island, Pandora and Leo are pushed into an uneasy partnership that sends them through the town’s libraries, boathouses, and community landmarks to contain the fallout, track down the source, and restore balance before the situation escalates.
For me, this landed as a middling listen: the premise and whimsical magic-by-deadline hook kept pulling me along, and I liked how the island’s gifts and creature chaos created a steady sense of motion, but the emotional vibes didn’t always feel as earned as the setup promised. I appreciated the audiobook’s energy—especially the alternating perspectives and the narrators’ commitment to keeping scenes lively—though the production choices and character-voice consistency occasionally took me out of the moment. Overall, it felt like a book with a strong concept and a cozy-romantasy surface that didn’t fully come together in execution, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this book, but sadly, I am not one of them.
Maybe 2.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC / Audiobook that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
The story is set on an enchanted island off the coast of Maine where fairykin live with an accepted undercurrent of magic, each person expected to come into a distinct gift by age thirty. Those who do not awaken their power begin to lose their connection to enchantment as memories rewrite themselves into mundane explanations, and extended exposure to magic can have harmful physical effects for the ungifted. When a spell misfires and releases chaotic enchantments and storybook creatures across the island, Pandora and Leo are pushed into an uneasy partnership that sends them through the town’s libraries, boathouses, and community landmarks to contain the fallout, track down the source, and restore balance before the situation escalates.
For me, this landed as a middling listen: the premise and whimsical magic-by-deadline hook kept pulling me along, and I liked how the island’s gifts and creature chaos created a steady sense of motion, but the emotional vibes didn’t always feel as earned as the setup promised. I appreciated the audiobook’s energy—especially the alternating perspectives and the narrators’ commitment to keeping scenes lively—though the production choices and character-voice consistency occasionally took me out of the moment. Overall, it felt like a book with a strong concept and a cozy-romantasy surface that didn’t fully come together in execution, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this book, but sadly, I am not one of them.
Maybe 2.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC / Audiobook that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are looking for a whimsical escape filled with magic and witty banter, this audiobook is a fantastic pick. It is written in a distinctive diary-style format with a dual POV that feels intimate and fast-paced.
The Performance
- Narrators: The dual narration by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland captures the story's structure well, though the performance has its hurdles.
- Gender Voices: Some of the opposite-gender voices can feel a little jarring at times, which can briefly pull you out of the story.
- Production: The overall production quality was high, making for a polished listening experience.
- Speed: As per usual, this was listened to at a sped-up pace (1.5x), which is the standard preference for fitting audiobooks into a busy schedule.
Character Dynamics & Plot
- The Grudge: A major point of frustration is how Pandora holds onto her grudge far too long. She is so clouded by her anger that she refuses to actually hear Leo out.
- Missed Communication: There is a heavy "miscommunication" trope at play. If Pan had actually listened to Leo's explanation, a whole lot of issues could have been sorted much sooner.
- Pan: While she is the protagonist, she can come across as a bit self-centered and even obnoxious once she gets her powers.
- Leo: He is the MVP of patience, remaining incredibly steadfast even when Pan's behavior is difficult to navigate.
- Pan’s Dad: He deserves a spotlight for his spot-on ability to read runes. However, it’s hard not to wish he had given Pan a heads-up that she needed to wait, as this was a classic "right person, wrong time" scenario.
Overall Thoughts:
This is a really fun, whimsical book, though certain details—like the subplot with Leo's ex-girlfriend—don't add much to the story. It is a great listen for those who enjoy patient heroes and "he falls first" dynamics, even if the heroine's stubbornness and the occasional jarring narration choice make it a slightly bumpy ride.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: Audiobook (Listened at 1.5x speed)
Thanks Netgally and Bookouture Audio for this ALC
The Performance
- Narrators: The dual narration by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland captures the story's structure well, though the performance has its hurdles.
- Gender Voices: Some of the opposite-gender voices can feel a little jarring at times, which can briefly pull you out of the story.
- Production: The overall production quality was high, making for a polished listening experience.
- Speed: As per usual, this was listened to at a sped-up pace (1.5x), which is the standard preference for fitting audiobooks into a busy schedule.
Character Dynamics & Plot
- The Grudge: A major point of frustration is how Pandora holds onto her grudge far too long. She is so clouded by her anger that she refuses to actually hear Leo out.
- Missed Communication: There is a heavy "miscommunication" trope at play. If Pan had actually listened to Leo's explanation, a whole lot of issues could have been sorted much sooner.
- Pan: While she is the protagonist, she can come across as a bit self-centered and even obnoxious once she gets her powers.
- Leo: He is the MVP of patience, remaining incredibly steadfast even when Pan's behavior is difficult to navigate.
- Pan’s Dad: He deserves a spotlight for his spot-on ability to read runes. However, it’s hard not to wish he had given Pan a heads-up that she needed to wait, as this was a classic "right person, wrong time" scenario.
Overall Thoughts:
This is a really fun, whimsical book, though certain details—like the subplot with Leo's ex-girlfriend—don't add much to the story. It is a great listen for those who enjoy patient heroes and "he falls first" dynamics, even if the heroine's stubbornness and the occasional jarring narration choice make it a slightly bumpy ride.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: Audiobook (Listened at 1.5x speed)
Thanks Netgally and Bookouture Audio for this ALC
May 29, 2026
In a little enchanted town in Maine, Pandora travels back from Boston to her hometown to spend her summer off teaching with her parents, who still live there. Just in time to meet up with her old high school friends for the big lobster bake and celebrations, this might be her last year to experience the magic.
In her magical world, if you did not receive your special gift of magic by the age of 30, you lost all your memories of all things magical, and anything that you knew before would be altered into something human. Both of her parents had theirs, and all of her old high school friends, except for one, got theirs. She was convinced she wouldn't get hers, but she accepted that long ago.
Back when Pan's ex-high school boyfriend, Leo, said he could never be with a non-magical person, she broke up with him and never looked back. Running into him after the big party, the one he wasn't supposed to go to, made the old feelings she thought were long gone flare back to life. She would have tried to avoid him, but it's hard to do when your mother volunteers you to work with him on a project at the local library. No matter what she does, she cannot escape Leo, and part of her is happy for it. Leo is certainly thrilled to see her again because he has never stopped thinking of her after all these years, and he wants her back.
What to expect:
Second Chance Romance
Childhood Sweethearts
Fae Magic
Magical Island in Maine
Miscommunication
Forced Proximity
Magical Creatures
Fun Banter
Meddling Mom
Strong Friendships
I love a book set in the region I grew up in. New England has always been a magical place in my heart, so that off the bat pleased me. Pan not listening and being stubborn was grating on my nerves a bit, but she was blooming into something more. Overall, it was a fun fantasy read. I think the ending of the book was perfect. This is rounded up from a 3.5
Thank you to NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio | Second Sky Books for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In her magical world, if you did not receive your special gift of magic by the age of 30, you lost all your memories of all things magical, and anything that you knew before would be altered into something human. Both of her parents had theirs, and all of her old high school friends, except for one, got theirs. She was convinced she wouldn't get hers, but she accepted that long ago.
Back when Pan's ex-high school boyfriend, Leo, said he could never be with a non-magical person, she broke up with him and never looked back. Running into him after the big party, the one he wasn't supposed to go to, made the old feelings she thought were long gone flare back to life. She would have tried to avoid him, but it's hard to do when your mother volunteers you to work with him on a project at the local library. No matter what she does, she cannot escape Leo, and part of her is happy for it. Leo is certainly thrilled to see her again because he has never stopped thinking of her after all these years, and he wants her back.
What to expect:
Second Chance Romance
Childhood Sweethearts
Fae Magic
Magical Island in Maine
Miscommunication
Forced Proximity
Magical Creatures
Fun Banter
Meddling Mom
Strong Friendships
I love a book set in the region I grew up in. New England has always been a magical place in my heart, so that off the bat pleased me. Pan not listening and being stubborn was grating on my nerves a bit, but she was blooming into something more. Overall, it was a fun fantasy read. I think the ending of the book was perfect. This is rounded up from a 3.5
Thank you to NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio | Second Sky Books for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an audiobook for me. The female narrator was 5/5, male was 4.5/5 (his voice wasn't as deep as the character's was described). Both great!
FMC and MMC are descendants (MANY generations) from fae. By the time they are 30 all fae-kin will find they have a magical gift or all their memories of magic disappear. Everything takes place on a tiny island in Maine where this magical community exists, but there are "normals"--non-magical tourists or fae-kin who lost their memories when they turned 30. Most fae-kin are very prideful of their gifts, and some even view "normals" as lesser-than in some/many ways.
The MMC is one of these people. The FMC and MMC dated as teenagers but he was overheard saying he couldn't love a "normal," despite his mother being a normal and not remembering her magical childhood. It turns out he feels this way because he has to hide magic and his gift from his mother because magic around her confuses her or gives her headaches.
The FMC loves her life with and without magic. She is almost 30 but cherishes her life knowing she may lose her memories of magic but loves her life and normals anyway. Everyone around her is pressuring her to "find her gift" missing the fact that she is happy without it.
What happens when she finds her gift, but unleashes magical pandemonium along the way? Can the MMC win her back after losing her all those years ago? Has he evolved--will he love her for herself or because of her gift. And what to do with the brownies?!
This was a great listen. It was closed door, with really only 1 scene with intimacy and it was vague and fade to black. So if you want a cozy paranormal romcom this is for you!
Spice 1/5 fade to black 🌶
Story 4.5/5 ⭐
Narration 4.5/5 🎙
My thanks to the author, narrators, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
FMC and MMC are descendants (MANY generations) from fae. By the time they are 30 all fae-kin will find they have a magical gift or all their memories of magic disappear. Everything takes place on a tiny island in Maine where this magical community exists, but there are "normals"--non-magical tourists or fae-kin who lost their memories when they turned 30. Most fae-kin are very prideful of their gifts, and some even view "normals" as lesser-than in some/many ways.
The MMC is one of these people. The FMC and MMC dated as teenagers but he was overheard saying he couldn't love a "normal," despite his mother being a normal and not remembering her magical childhood. It turns out he feels this way because he has to hide magic and his gift from his mother because magic around her confuses her or gives her headaches.
The FMC loves her life with and without magic. She is almost 30 but cherishes her life knowing she may lose her memories of magic but loves her life and normals anyway. Everyone around her is pressuring her to "find her gift" missing the fact that she is happy without it.
What happens when she finds her gift, but unleashes magical pandemonium along the way? Can the MMC win her back after losing her all those years ago? Has he evolved--will he love her for herself or because of her gift. And what to do with the brownies?!
This was a great listen. It was closed door, with really only 1 scene with intimacy and it was vague and fade to black. So if you want a cozy paranormal romcom this is for you!
Spice 1/5 fade to black 🌶
Story 4.5/5 ⭐
Narration 4.5/5 🎙
My thanks to the author, narrators, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Dual POV
HEA; Book 1 of the Fae Isle Trilogy
Tropes/TW:
Contemporary small town romantasy rom-com
Giftless music teacher FMC x gifted ex-HS boyfriend book dealer MMC
Second chances
Forced proximity
Witty banter
Funny side characters
Magical gifts & creatures
Violence / Break ups / Betrayal / Miscommunication
*Both FMC and MMC wanted the same thing, they just never really communicated that for the entire book.
I felt like the FMC was hypocritical at the end. Let me explain: MMC didn't want to marry a gift-less girl because of his experience and difficulty growing up with a gift-less family member (a fae loses all magical memories once they've turned 30 without coming into their gift and can no longer recognize magic). FMC broke up with him because she never heard his full explanation or POV and therefore twisted it into "he doesn't think I'm good enough". They go years where she's angry and bitter and stubbornly claiming she doesn't need a gift because how dare he, and he doesn't actually know why they broke up. At the end (and it's still hardly hashed out between the 2 of them why he has this POV) he decides "she's right" and, without spoiling too much he loses his memories. She decides he's actually essentially not "good enough" and needs to have his memories reinstated. Wild. And she never apologizes for not seeing or trying to understand his POV. All along he simply didn't want to have to hide the magical side of himself from the person he loved and then when she's faced with the same situation, she decides (without actually admitting fault) that he was on to something and she also doesn't want to live with someone who cannot comprehend HER magical side. Hypocrisy.*
Thank you Lee Nichols and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Dual POV
HEA; Book 1 of the Fae Isle Trilogy
Tropes/TW:
Contemporary small town romantasy rom-com
Giftless music teacher FMC x gifted ex-HS boyfriend book dealer MMC
Second chances
Forced proximity
Witty banter
Funny side characters
Magical gifts & creatures
Violence / Break ups / Betrayal / Miscommunication
*Both FMC and MMC wanted the same thing, they just never really communicated that for the entire book.
I felt like the FMC was hypocritical at the end. Let me explain: MMC didn't want to marry a gift-less girl because of his experience and difficulty growing up with a gift-less family member (a fae loses all magical memories once they've turned 30 without coming into their gift and can no longer recognize magic). FMC broke up with him because she never heard his full explanation or POV and therefore twisted it into "he doesn't think I'm good enough". They go years where she's angry and bitter and stubbornly claiming she doesn't need a gift because how dare he, and he doesn't actually know why they broke up. At the end (and it's still hardly hashed out between the 2 of them why he has this POV) he decides "she's right" and, without spoiling too much he loses his memories. She decides he's actually essentially not "good enough" and needs to have his memories reinstated. Wild. And she never apologizes for not seeing or trying to understand his POV. All along he simply didn't want to have to hide the magical side of himself from the person he loved and then when she's faced with the same situation, she decides (without actually admitting fault) that he was on to something and she also doesn't want to live with someone who cannot comprehend HER magical side. Hypocrisy.*
Thank you Lee Nichols and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book—it was a quirky, sweet, and delightful read with an extraordinary magic system. It is exactly my kind of story, and I felt it offered a perfect balance between action, a love story, and magic. The urban fantasy vibes combined with the cozy island setting (and the fun detail of everyone getting around in electric vehicles) made the atmosphere incredibly unique.
The character development was fantastic, and I fell in love with everyone in the story, including the wonderful side characters. Bob was such a great addition, and I loved the sweet pixies, Violet and Daffodil. A major highlight for me was the diary entries for Pandora and the notes of Leo, which added so much depth to their perspectives. The quote "Losing your memories means you're losing a part of yourself" deeply resonated with me, and Pandora’s unique gift—unleashing the echoes of long-forgotten fairy magic through a list of magical moments—was such a beautiful concept.
My only minor critique is that the main characters sometimes felt a bit young, acting more like teenagers rather than fully grown adults. However, this didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.The romance was lovely, and the audio experience was top-tier. The narrators, Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland, did an incredible job interpreting the story, and I absolutely loved how the female narrator actually sang during her performance! This is a solid 4-star read for me. I truly loved this world, and I will definitely be hunting down the upcoming books in the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
The character development was fantastic, and I fell in love with everyone in the story, including the wonderful side characters. Bob was such a great addition, and I loved the sweet pixies, Violet and Daffodil. A major highlight for me was the diary entries for Pandora and the notes of Leo, which added so much depth to their perspectives. The quote "Losing your memories means you're losing a part of yourself" deeply resonated with me, and Pandora’s unique gift—unleashing the echoes of long-forgotten fairy magic through a list of magical moments—was such a beautiful concept.
My only minor critique is that the main characters sometimes felt a bit young, acting more like teenagers rather than fully grown adults. However, this didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.The romance was lovely, and the audio experience was top-tier. The narrators, Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland, did an incredible job interpreting the story, and I absolutely loved how the female narrator actually sang during her performance! This is a solid 4-star read for me. I truly loved this world, and I will definitely be hunting down the upcoming books in the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
May 23, 2026
So, I have to say that this one was right up my alley.
Fae. Magicks. Small magical, mythical, disruptive creatures. Small town vibes. All stuff that I love!
But, for some reason this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I loved the whole cast of characters. I loved how they all looked out for each other. I loved how the parents were involved in EVERYTHING! 😊🤣
I never really came to care for the MMC… so that didn’t really help.
But most of the story revolves around the MFC who NEEDED to get her powers before her 30th birthday, or her whole life would change…
Again, sorry to say that this one just didn’t work for me, but you might just love it!
All’s Fae In Love and War by Lee Nichols and narrated nicely by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
This one has not been released yet, but please look for it on 5/28/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BookoutureAudio and @SecondSkyBooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Fae. Magicks. Small magical, mythical, disruptive creatures. Small town vibes. All stuff that I love!
But, for some reason this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I loved the whole cast of characters. I loved how they all looked out for each other. I loved how the parents were involved in EVERYTHING! 😊🤣
I never really came to care for the MMC… so that didn’t really help.
But most of the story revolves around the MFC who NEEDED to get her powers before her 30th birthday, or her whole life would change…
Again, sorry to say that this one just didn’t work for me, but you might just love it!
All’s Fae In Love and War by Lee Nichols and narrated nicely by Ina Marie Smith and Christopher Ragland.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
This one has not been released yet, but please look for it on 5/28/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BookoutureAudio and @SecondSkyBooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a dual narration, each MC having their own chapters/voices. I thought Smith was a bit stronger than Ragland in her narration - occasionally Ragland's female voice took me out of the story. I know it's a delicate balance, and this one didn't quite stick the landing. And while I understand the story telling device, I didn't love the "dear diary" of it all from a fully formed adult.
Bob was absolutely the best thing about this book. I love Bob and frankly I was ready to put together a #werideforbob posse if need be. Nichols did a nice job of growing the magic from a small town of people manipulating rocks and birds and finding rare books and being a great chef to something more complex with fairies and gnomes and brownies.
The supporting cast was a lot of fun. It sounds like the series will expand to include them which is nice.
That said, I found Pan and Leo deeply flawed, and there were moments when it was hard to find a path to truly liking them - I either liked Pan but didn't like Leo or vice versa.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for this audio book.
Bob was absolutely the best thing about this book. I love Bob and frankly I was ready to put together a #werideforbob posse if need be. Nichols did a nice job of growing the magic from a small town of people manipulating rocks and birds and finding rare books and being a great chef to something more complex with fairies and gnomes and brownies.
The supporting cast was a lot of fun. It sounds like the series will expand to include them which is nice.
That said, I found Pan and Leo deeply flawed, and there were moments when it was hard to find a path to truly liking them - I either liked Pan but didn't like Leo or vice versa.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for this audio book.
May 20, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from NetGalley.
I’m in love!! This audiobook was so wholesome, soft, and genuinely adorable. I had such a fun time listening to it and found myself smiling through so many scenes.
Pandora was literally the sweetest ever, she was so lovable and charming and I got attached to her so quickly. And Leo… oh my God, that man was DOWN BAD 😭 I loved it so much. He was so deeply and hopelessly in love with her in the most obvious, heart-melting way possible, and every interaction between them made me giggle.
The atmosphere of the story was so cozy and comforting, and the romance developed in an enjoyable way. It was such an easy and entertaining listen without ever feeling boring or complicated. I got invested in the story so quickly and genuinely didn’t want it to end.
The narrators also did such a great job bringing the characters and emotions to life, which made the experience even better. The chemistry between Pandora and Leo felt effortless, cute, funny, and emotional all at once. This audiobook honestly felt like a warm hug and I enjoyed every second of it💕💕.
I’m in love!! This audiobook was so wholesome, soft, and genuinely adorable. I had such a fun time listening to it and found myself smiling through so many scenes.
Pandora was literally the sweetest ever, she was so lovable and charming and I got attached to her so quickly. And Leo… oh my God, that man was DOWN BAD 😭 I loved it so much. He was so deeply and hopelessly in love with her in the most obvious, heart-melting way possible, and every interaction between them made me giggle.
The atmosphere of the story was so cozy and comforting, and the romance developed in an enjoyable way. It was such an easy and entertaining listen without ever feeling boring or complicated. I got invested in the story so quickly and genuinely didn’t want it to end.
The narrators also did such a great job bringing the characters and emotions to life, which made the experience even better. The chemistry between Pandora and Leo felt effortless, cute, funny, and emotional all at once. This audiobook honestly felt like a warm hug and I enjoyed every second of it💕💕.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Adult fantasy audiobook friends to frenemies to friends, off on off on shake it all about friendship rom com. Pandora isn’t looking for her magic gift, nor is she looking for love. But both of these are going to be a major issue when she finds them. Leo, her once school love, is also going to be right in the middle of the mayhem right along with Pandora.
This book is light-hearted and fun. I liked Cassandra’s magic diary lists at the beginning of her chapters. I liked the presentation with all the different narrators adding to the listening experience.
I maybe got a bit frustrated with Cassandra’s love swings. I was thinking make up your mind a lot of the time while listening. I suppose a he has her reasons though. So does Leo. So, sort it out. Happy ending? I’m not telling.
This book is a complete story/chapter in their lives, but here are plans for more books coming about these characters and the island they live on.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
This book is light-hearted and fun. I liked Cassandra’s magic diary lists at the beginning of her chapters. I liked the presentation with all the different narrators adding to the listening experience.
I maybe got a bit frustrated with Cassandra’s love swings. I was thinking make up your mind a lot of the time while listening. I suppose a he has her reasons though. So does Leo. So, sort it out. Happy ending? I’m not telling.
This book is a complete story/chapter in their lives, but here are plans for more books coming about these characters and the island they live on.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All’s Fae in Love and War by Lee Nichols is a cute, quirky story with strong world-building. The concept of “Fairykin”—individuals who come into magical gifts of varying strength—is intriguing, and the whimsical, close-knit communities they inhabit add a lot of charm to the setting.
While I really enjoyed the uniqueness and quirkiness of the world, I found it harder to connect with the main characters. Both the FMC and MMC came across as somewhat juvenile and lacked the depth needed to fully invest in their journey.
The narration, however, was excellent and helped bring the story to life.
Overall, a 3.5/5 read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
While I really enjoyed the uniqueness and quirkiness of the world, I found it harder to connect with the main characters. Both the FMC and MMC came across as somewhat juvenile and lacked the depth needed to fully invest in their journey.
The narration, however, was excellent and helped bring the story to life.
Overall, a 3.5/5 read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All’s Fae in Love and War was an absolute joy to listen to. The humour truly shines, with sharp banter and perfectly timed wit that had me catching myself smiling — and even laughing out loud — while working and listening. The romance is wonderfully written, full of chemistry and heart, and it weaves seamlessly into the magical fae world. The author’s writing is fantastic: clever, engaging, and effortlessly balanced between humour, romance, and magic. The narration elevates it all, enhancing both the comedic moments and the emotional depth. A magical, romantic, and thoroughly entertaining audiobook.
May 25, 2026
This is a cute second chance romance, where our main characters are descendants of the fae and inherit a gift by their 30th birthday or they forget the magic that happened around them. Pandora returns home for her last summer before she turns 30 to enjoy all the magical things of the island. She calls home when she ends up with her gift and a whole lot of other issues that end up with her having to save the town and end with her happily ever after
June 7, 2026
Ok audiobook, not great. I didn’t connect to the FMC Pandora at all. She got more annoying as the book progressed. Needless third act breakup over the same fight yhe couple have been having the entire book and for years 🙄. The fantasy plot was good and I definitely didn’t predict where it was going but the romance fell flat and kind of distracted from the interesting plot points. Hated almost all of the side characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨Audiobook✨
Narration good, good pauses and playing the parts that they have.
This started strong exactly is though it would be, and the it shifted and went in a completely different direction! And it’s was amazing twist and turns, laugh out loud and the suspense was real, the ending was perfectly executed.
Narration good, good pauses and playing the parts that they have.
This started strong exactly is though it would be, and the it shifted and went in a completely different direction! And it’s was amazing twist and turns, laugh out loud and the suspense was real, the ending was perfectly executed.
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