A Bittersweet Spell: A Novel

by Rebecca Ross

A cursed manuscript. An old betrayal. A second chance at love. Magic, secrets, and longing collide in this sweeping, beautiful fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals and Wild Reverence.
Lorne St. Clair has spent years hiding from his shadowy past, content to curate magical antiques in his quiet shoppe. But when a mysterious note arrives demanding he transcribe an enchanted manuscript—written in an ink only rare mages can read—his carefully guarded secrets are threatened. Refuse, and the truth about his past will be exposed.

Lorne knows one mage capable of reading the manuscript... But Avalene Vale was declared dead ten years ago.

In truth, she’s been hiding on the kingdom’s outskirts, her once-brilliant academic future stolen the night Lorne put a knife to her throat and begged her to flee. When he finds her again, asking for her help, Avalene knows she shouldn’t trust him. But enchanted manuscripts are impossibly rare, and once she begins translating, she’s drawn into the manuscript’s haunting magic—and the beautiful, dangerous story woven into its spells.

As buried truths resurface and the past tightens its hold, Lorne and Avalene must reckon with what they once were—and what they might become. What unfolds is a multi-layered, enchanting tale of glittering magic, powerful books, passionate love—and the fragile hope of second chances.

"All the grandness and imagination of classic fantasy, with a wit and whimsy only Rebecca Ross can write. I couldn't love it more." — Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning

"A delicious blend of mystery, romance, and magic. . . Impossible to put down and even harder to forget."— Danielle L. Jensen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Adult, Fantasy Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication April 6, 2027

About the author

Rebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults.

She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.

When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.

Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

Reviews

[DianaRose]

OMG?! a new rebecca ross?! and that cover is STUNNING!! honestly, the whole package is stunning... i'm manifesting a fairyloot edition to go with my other gorgeous rebecca ross editions!

a bittersweet spell is a sweeping, beautiful fantasy with a cursed manuscript, an old betrayal, and a second chance at love, where magic, secrets, and longing collide... I LOVEEEEEEEEE! thank you to the publisher for an arc!!

[cat]

・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕

september 19th- wowww this cover?! so gorgeous 😍🤭

september 14th- i used to be pretty against anything fantasy but im randomly craving it more and more lately...
i’m ready for the magic, the mystery, and hopefully a second-chance romance that absolutely wrecks me 🤞🏼

[aqsa]

WHY AM I JUST HEARING OF THIS??
look at that coverrrr omg im gonna go beg for an arc

[Jen]

I am in awe of Rebecca Ross.

This book is an absolute tour de force that makes almost all other romantasy today feel uninspired in comparison.

From the very first page, A Bittersweet Spell locks you into a rich, haunting, deadly, alluring story.

The magic system, the folklore, the dusty, 50s-esque vibes—the world here feels rich and lived in. Ross’s writing is lyrical and immersive. You feel the bone-chilling cold of Wayward Pond; smell the must in the air of the Abbey’s tower; hear the classical music on the phonograph and the rustle of dogs about Sweetbriar.

Post-betrayal arcs are always my favorite flavor of second chance romance. There’s an ache you feel for the wronged Avalene, even as you cave so quickly to Lorne’s charm. I love how patiently slow the burn here is. Lorne gives the absolute best of a Flynn Rider-esque energy to me—and the mutual yearning here is everything.

Our manuscript main characters Evander and Faye also absolutely captivate in all of their page time. Evander is the broody, blonde, feral protector of my dreams. I am perhaps most excited for how their story unfolds.

There’s a deep, genuine love and appreciation for the art of words, that forms such a wonderful connective thread through Ross’s writing. Manuscripts, transcripts, translations, letters, even ink, all create this beautiful tapestry of words here. She has a love of story and it shines so brightly, in how she crafts hers.

also:
☕️ men who will find you, whatever it takes
📜 a mystery that has you so locked in, you’ll struggle to put this one down & want to reread it immediately
🌊 lightly gothic, lightly academic, often gloomy vibes that feel perfect for fall
🕰️ plot twists that keep you guessing and leave you gasping, even when you spot the hints
🪾 monsters and gods that feel deadly and dangerous
🐕 found family (& a man who loves dogs)
💫 invisible string theory
🪶 older (mid 30s) MCs
🪙 perfect for fans of The Silversmith, Road of Bones & Scandal of the Summer

Ross shines at writing something that feels so true to who she is, and adventurous all the same. I’m so glad we get two more books here. My brain is already filled with theories in a way I rarely am, with other series.

I think this one, by the end, will be an absolute masterpiece. All the stars—I will be howling and languishing waiting for the sequel.

Thank you Harper Voyager for letting me read this early!

[Isabel M]

🚨THIS IS NOT A DRILL THATS THE COVER OF THIS BOOK HOLY CRAP🚨

WAKE UP BABES REBECCAS GOT YOUR NEXT HEARTBREAKING, GLORIOUSLY WRITTEN READ, because something tells me this is going to BREAK ME in a way only Rebecca ross can✋🏻🙂‍↕️🤚🏻

[Hallie (thecommonroomshop)]

Huge thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I am so grateful and honored that I was able to read it six months early!💓

Rebecca Ross’ writing is an absolute feast for the senses. She has such a magical way with words that delivers both a strong atmosphere and a strong sense of her characters. I loved falling into this world and learning about Lorne, Avalene and the characters from the manuscript. This was a story of mages, mystery and betrayals and it was truly unlike anything I have ever read before.

One thing I struggle with when it comes to her writing is the pacing. I went in knowing that her stories are more focused on characters and setting than an adrenaline-filled plot execution, but I still wish there had been a bit more action. The thing is, there *is* action, but there’s something so unsatisfying about how it is written for me.

I didn’t realize that this would be a trilogy, so I was very confused at how it would wrap up so suddenly. I am so excited to see where this story takes us! I am the most fond of Lorne - what an amazing character🥲

[zahra]

new rebecca ross book to look forward to !! life is good
such a beautiful cover im actually in awe and the sprayed edges too !!

[kira]

im seated.

[Kristina Nichole]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RIGHT BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY

and we have the cover..... DROOLING

[becca🪴💫📖]

OH I AM HYPE AF

i'm seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it's "not april yet" but i'm simply too seated.

[n]

old betrayals and SECOND CHANCES???it's like rebecca wrote this for me.

[Rebekah W.]

Rebecca Ross has never missed, and A Bittersweet Spell is going directly onto the top of my favorite fantasy romance books. I will continue to read Rebecca's books the second they are in my hands, because I truly believe she is this generation's Juliet Mariller. No one is writing lyrical prose and yearning and incredibly unique magic systems quite like Ross, and A Bittersweet Spell had it all in spades. The world building was incredible. The characterizations were incredible. Every single POV had me on the edge of my seat.

I went into this book totally blind, to the point that I didn't even know this was going to be a TRILOGY until the 85% mark. And now I am absolutely feral for the next installment of this series, because the twists and turns will have you GASPING.

This is slow burn(s) PERFECTION. The yearning starts on page 1 because we are dealing with a second chance romance, where the enemies may become lovers? But we also have mysteries and multiple timelines and multiple realms and secret police states and magical leaches. GAH. I don't want to spoil anything, but you need to stop whatever you're doing and add this to your TBR. Preorders. Library requests. ALL OF IT. 10 out of 10 - the best new romantasy release of 2026.

[Sarah]

Gripping and unforgettable, 𝘈 𝘉𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 will forever dwell in reader's hearts long after consuming the final word.

Rebecca's lyrical prose effortlessly chronicles an epic adventure of magical manuscripts and sweeping second-chance romance in a clever structure - weaving a story within a story as a long-buried mystery is gradually translated.

Lorne and Avalene are intriguing characters, layered, complex, and armoured after ten complicated years apart. The alternating timeline establishes their history and painful betrayal, creating instant tension through present distrust.

The gloomy atmosphere is a delight for the whimsy at heart on a rainy autumnal day, especially those yearning for quaint antiques, soothing cups of tea, flickering candles, and worn inked parchment.

I was thoroughly enchanted by this tale, and my only regret to having inhaled it so early is the excruciating wait for the sequel! I'm eager to continue with the trilogy.

Thank you to Harper Voyager, Avon, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!

[lea ⊹ ࣪ ˖ (busy)]

y'all know I LONG for rebecca ross books 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

[Lex]

Gosh, where do I even begin??

This book was absolute perfection. Becca has writing that is simply incomparable.

There is so much going on in this story that not a single second is left unaccounted for in the best way. No stone is left unturned. The world, the magic, the lore: obsessed. Enough, but not too much. Who knew a second chance romance would be a new favorite of mine because of this?! But probably because of who wrote it :)

The mystery plot I did not see coming in such a way and I was riveted. It didn’t matter whose POV I couldn’t wait for the next part and it had me turning pages until 3am.
The characters feel like my own family. I love them SO MUCH.
Do not get me started on yearning. THIS is yearning! True, actual, painful yearning. A decades worth. This is how it’s done!!! The romance is perfect, but it’s more story than romance, and how they twine together becomes so seamless. This book made me laugh, cry, ache, and sit on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to reread this!!

Guys this is actually going down in history as one of my top favorite books, ever. I cannot wait to see her on tour again and thank her for giving us this masterpiece. Absolutely masterful storytelling. I cannot recommend this one enough. It’s a special one.

I would give it all the stars in the world if I could. How am I to wait until book two?? In a trilogy?? Send help 😭

Thank you guys for gifting me an early eARC 😭❤️

-@lexys_library

[Sarah]

4.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Voyager for the ARC of A Bittersweet Spell.

I have yet to read anything from Rebecca Ross that I haven’t loved, and A Bittersweet Spell is no exception. Rebecca’s writing style is so captivating and emotional and she’s well known for writing character driven stories.

I didn’t realize before starting this, that it is the first book of a new trilogy. (Which I’m so excited about!) This book started off a bit slow for me but looking back now, it sets up the story perfectly.

This book is basically a story, within a story, within a story. Rebecca was extremely successful with this and at no point did I find myself confused or bored. I loved Lorne & Avalene and Faye & Evander - The manuscript had me on the edge of my seat and Rebecca knows how to write a romance with yearning. 👏 The magic and lore in this story is really intriguing and I will eagerly be awaiting book 2!

[Kalyani]

I ended up enjoying this! Rebecca Ross does a great job of writing two compelling stories while leaving a mystery for the reader of how they’re intertwined! I like that Lorne and Avalene’s story has a distinctly different feel in setting and tone than Evander and Faye’s. You can tell that hundreds of years have passed - and that takes skill. There’s a cool magic system and an insidiously dark fairy tale vibe. I’m intrigued to know where the story goes next!

[Steph]

Apparently all Rebecca Ross needs to do is give me a cursed manuscript, two people with ten years of unresolved history and a man who pines, and I’m in.

A Bittersweet Spell follows Lorne and Avalene, who haven't seen each other in a decade after a betrayal that completely changed both of their lives. Now Lorne needs Avalene's help translating an enchanted manuscript, which means putting them back in the same room and dealing with approximately none of the things they've spent ten years avoiding.

And obviously, I ate that up.

The story-within-a-story was probably my favourite part. As Avalene translates the manuscript, we slowly uncover Evander and Faye’s story alongside everything happening in the present, and I became so invested in them. Their story added another layer to the mystery, but it was also just genuinely beautiful and bittersweet in its own right.

And this quote???

“We would be brief as the dew. We would be the chords of fading thunder. What would remain of us would be the words I would ink onto parchment.”

Rebecca Ross, the woman that you are.

But the real strength for me was Lorne and Avalene. There’s so much history sitting between them despite everything that was left unfinished ten years ago, and the yearning is YEARNING. Lorne has been carrying a frankly unreasonable torch for a decade, and considering very little actually happens between them yet, Rebecca Ross somehow had me completely invested in every loaded conversation and almost moment.

My main issue was the pacing. This is a slow book, particularly through the middle, and there were definitely points where I wanted the manuscript mystery to move a little faster. The atmosphere is beautiful, but occasionally we were admiring it when I was ready for answers.

Thankfully, once those answers start coming, there is a LOT to unpack.

And then the ending appeared out of absolutely nowhere and apparently we're just supposed to carry on with our lives after that???

I NEED MORE.

[bells]

Rating: 4.25⭐️


I love how much darker and more intricate this book feels compared to Rebecca Ross’s other books. One thing I’ve noticed in the author’s books I’ve read is that there’s always an enchanted device, and this time we got an enchanted manuscript.

It’s honestly so fascinating how this enchanted manuscript hides a second story and timeline inside, and as the clues connect, the whole plot becomes more deeply layered. And I swear Rebecca Ross’s lyrical writing never misses, the prose is so beautifully immersive and alluring. I was simply so seated.

Now let’s talk about Avalene and Lorne. Complicated history? Check. Second-chance romance? Check. Tension that makes me want to chew on my poor plushie? CHECK. Lorne’s yearnology needs to be studied. IMMEDIATELY. And Avalene, you seem pretty territorial for a girl who’s so over him. But that’s alright, we listen and we don’t judge. Anyways, my favorite part was definitely when Avalene casually calls Lorne darling then he immediately trips over himself. THIS LOSER.

My only struggle was getting into the story. Rebecca Ross’s books tend to be more character-driven than plot-driven, and while I absolutely adore her complex characters, the pacing felt a little slow at first. It took me a while to properly dive into the story.

Oh, and that ending GAGGED me. I went into this thinking it was a standalone, just to find out that this is book one of a trilogy. Sigh. Now I have to wait for the sequel for god knows how long. GIMME BOOK TWO NOWWW.


════════════════════════

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Lilly]

I completely abandoned my tbr when this arrived at my doorstep, and I have no regrets except that now I have to wait even longer for the sequel.

this book WOW this one is a masterpiece. a second chance FANTASY romance with decade-long yearning?? immediately sold.

there really is no other way to describe this book other than that it felt magical. rebecca ross’s writing is so beautiful, whimsical, and poetic. her descriptions feel so vivid that you are immediately immersed into this world. all of the magical elements weaved throughout the story feel unique and refreshing, from the enchanted manuscripts to the different types of mages to mystical ponds and forests.

the way the story unfolded was also done so masterfully. it switches between the present story, the mysterious manuscript, and interview transcripts, and the pieces you collect from each keep you wanting more. the mystery of it all made me just want to keep reading to find out how they could all be connected.

the YEARNING in this book is also on a whole other level. think pride & prejudice and mr. darcy flexing his hand.

highly highly recommend and 100% a fantasy series you need to keep on your radar for 2027!

*thank you so so much to harper voyager for an arc!!

[Jessica]

From the author's blog:

“A magical antiquarian is blackmailed into transcribing a cursed manuscript, but to do so he must enlist the brilliant mage he once betrayed, forcing them to confront their shared past as they uncover the book’s secrets.”

I also wanted to write a book that brimmed with things that I loved.

Antiques. Castle ruins. The ocean and the coast. Banter. Cups of tea. Illuminated manuscripts. Candlelight. Moonlight. Fierce women. Secret documents. The first snowfall. Memories that pierce. Rambling country estates. Yearning, and—in particular—men who pine. Old woods and dangerous ponds. Lore. Whimsical hand lettering. Spells. Magic that is in plain sight yet is still hidden. A sizzling second chance romance, as well as a doomed love that springs up from the most unlikely of places.

[s]

This novel was so bewitching and immersive but had a slow pacing. However, the writing was exquisite. I mean, seriously, bar after bar. Gorgeous prose, gorgeous yearning. Rebecca Ross is a master of her craft.

And I never thought I would say it but even though A Bittersweet Spell has almost 600 pages, it needed even more towards the end. But since this is a trilogy, I understand why many things were left open. During reading I was convinced this was a standalone novel! I was worrying how everything will tie together in the end.

And I just enjoyed it so much, I would read infinite pages of this story so I can’t wait for the next books already. Matter of fact, I want to read Ross’s whole repertoire!

[mads]

4.25🌟 WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS OH MY GOSH????? I love these characters so much and I am so invested in this trilogy now. Rebecca’s writing is so beautiful and poetic. this was such a unique story and I am SO ready to see what happens next. the manuscript had me on the edge of my seat! the dual timelines! SECOND CHANCES! the mystery! you will be reading this all night trying to put all the pieces together! I’m seriously so obsessed wow. definitely leans more into the dark/gothic fantasy category.

I LOVE YOU LORNE😭
SOME OF THE BEST YEARNING IVE EVER READ.

[liz]

GUESS WHAT JUST FREAKING LANDED IN MY INBOX YOU GUYS OMG

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead)]

I am SO READY for a new world from Rebecca!

[margot౨ৎ]

HOLY SHIT THIS SOUNDS AMAZING

[Vanshiai]

REALLY excited for a new book !!! Looking forward to getting lost in a new world. 💞🪄

[Zia]

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager, and Rebecca Ross for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

When I tell you I SCREAMED when I saw this book dropped, I immediately dropped all my other books to finish this one, haha, and I am SO GLAD I was not disappointed.

In this book, we follow three stories: the people in the manuscript, the past of our main characters, and their present. All three stories help create a beautiful picture of the world and show where all of these connections come from. We get to understand our main characters on a much deeper level as we slowly learn more about their past and how it connects to the present.

I was also immediately grabbed by the first page. Something about that opening scene was SO enticing, and I felt like I just wanted to get more and more information. I needed to know what was happening!

This book is a SLOW BURN, but a second-chance slow burn, where both of our characters (well, one of them) don’t really want to open themselves back up again. But as the book slowly unfolds, we find out more and more about the situation that led up to this moment. We know instantly WHY our FMC doesn’t like the MMC, but we get to see exactly how everything unfolds throughout the book.

The romance in this book, while not the most prominent part of the story, was something I really enjoyed. We get hints of it here and there, but NOTHING really happens yet. And for a trilogy, we LOVE a good slow burn!

I also LOVE all of the characters and the house, the magic system, and everything that comes with it. All of the characters we meet, from good to bad, left an impact on my reading experience. I genuinely felt like no one character was there just to be there. They all felt like they had a purpose!

The only baby, smallest, micro-level thing I want to warn people about (which may change with the final production) is that there is no indication of whether you are in the past or present. It is VERY easy to tell where you are because of the way the main characters talk to one another, but there is no direct indication!

All in all, AMAZING book. The book does leave us on a CLIFFHANGER, and I fear for ALL of their lives!!!

Thank you again to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager, and Rebecca Ross for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

[Rachel]

✨ARC Review✨

"He could breathe as long as he was looking at her."

This is my favorite Rebecca Ross book to date. (I have read Divine Rivals, Ruthless Vows, and Wild Reverence and adored them all).

I swear there is MAGIC in Rebecca Ross's writing. I don't know how else to explain how I get so immersed into the story so quickly, and I fall so head over heels for the characters and the world and the magic and the lore.

This story, the multiple timelines, the second chance love, how the magic is told and the lore of the world, it's so incredibly creative and captivating and beautiful. It's also so incredibly satisfying how things are explained to us. Just yes.

One room at the inn, pretending to be married, one horse him in back, tell me to leave, standing on opposite sides of a door yearning for one another, 35 year old FMC... ALL OF IT. INCREDIBLE.

Sometimes in books transitioning from past to present can be confusing or halt the momentum of the story, but it all worked so seemlessly together and I was in love with every single aspect of this story. There wasn't a time where I wanted to put the book down.

I am so happy to know that this is a planned Trilogy because I don't want to be done with this world or these characters yet. I need more, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. The yearning is next level, and I have never really loved second chance romance as much as I adored it in this book.

I adore Lorne, I adore Avalene, I adore Evander, I adore Faye, I adore the whole of it. That is really all I can keep expressing. How it all came together, the reveals at the end, the love and time spent on this world and these characters is so obvious. Yeah. This one takes the cake for me. Rebecca... I need the next book. Right now, thanks!

Thank you so incredibly much for this ARC... I truly cherished my time with this book and being in the world.

[Second Chapter Books]

If you’re expecting another Divine Rivals, this is not that book. And I mean that as a compliment.

Rebecca Ross gave me something completely different with A Bittersweet Spell, and I absolutely loved it.

This is adult fantasy. It’s darker, more deeply rooted in magic, and built around enchanted manuscripts, old betrayals, dangerous secrets, and two people carrying ten years of unresolved history.

The manuscript hooked me immediately, but Lorne and Avalene are what kept me reading. This isn’t a romance about two people meeting and falling in love for the first time. These are two people who have already loved, hurt, betrayed, and lost each other. There is anger and mistrust between them, but underneath all of it are feelings that never completely disappeared.

And the yearning.

Rebecca Ross KNOWS how to write yearning.

But what really pushed this into five-star territory was the manuscript itself. It isn't simply a clever magical device. There is another story unfolding within its pages, and as the mysteries began connecting, I realized this book was becoming much bigger and more layered than I initially expected.

I did not want to put it down.

Then I discovered A Bittersweet Spell is the beginning of a trilogy.

Well, that's a problem, because now I need book two.

Five stars. Beautiful, haunting, magical, romantic, and completely its own story. It doesn't feel like Rebecca Ross trying to recreate Divine Rivals. It feels like an author showing us another side of what she can do, while still delivering the gorgeous writing and incredible yearning that made me love her books in the first place.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.