Under Her Spell

by Eliza Watson

FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELIZA WATSON!"A really wonderfully delightful read that will take you on a wild and funny ride you won't want to get off! Lovable characters that will no doubt win your heart from the moment you meet them." - 5 Star Review by Brande, Book JunkieWhen a series of failed relationships and business ventures has Monica Jackson doubting her self-worth, she is determined to produce positive energy to achieve her goals. She practices creative visualization when writing romantic letters to attract her soul mate. Positive affirmations along with a charm bag help her focus on growing her new event planning company, Enhance Your Romance.Monica is confident she has found her niche, until divorce lawyer Reed Walker opens a practice next door to her office. The anti-marriage slogan plastered on his office window and his down-on-love clients prove detrimental to Monica’s business. When his arrival triggers a string of bad luck, Monica fears one of her positive intentions somehow sent negative energy into the universe and it has returned to her threefold. Although Reed is beyond sexy and she admires his self-confidence, she’ll do whatever it takes to get the universe back on her side and Reed out of her life. No way is she losing another business.Reed finds himself attracted to Monica’s beauty and her optimism. His job and his parents’ divorce have made him a pessimist, especially when it comes to love. However, he soon finds that Monica’s pro-love attitude is rubbing off on him, causing him to lose his edge. If Reed doesn’t distance himself from Monica, he’ll destroy his reputation as a pit-bull divorce lawyer.Can Monica and Reed look past what they might lose to realize the love they have found?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2018

About the author

Eliza Watson is a USA Today bestselling author, family historian, and former event planner. When Eliza isn't tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland or Scotland, she's at home working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband, Mark, and her cats Frankie and Sammy. Eliza's monthly newsletter features genealogy research advice and info about her latest news, giveaways, and releases! Subscribe at elizawatson.com.

Reviews

[Somia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Underwhelmed Stars

Monica Jackson work involves a belief in romance/love, whilst Reed Walker's job as a divorce lawyer involves confidence that most marriages won't work out. When these two opposites meet it's anything but smooth sailing.

I was expecting magic to be a more richly woven and intricate strand of the tale, so was super disappointed that it wasn’t. Rather the usage of magic, the supernatural in this was artificial.

Reed and Monica’s connection, romance needed far more development.

Monica’s cousin Hope had me rolling my eyes a bit, yeah, her ex was a cheating douchebag but for some reason I didn’t care, she kinda annoyed me.

Tropes I should have enjoyed but for some reason the tale dragged for me.

Acquired via KU.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under Her Spell by Eliza Watson is the story of Monica Jackson and Reed Walker.
Monica keeps running into bad luck but she is the ever optimist. So when her friend tells her about spell she goes to try them but then her luck gets worse it seems when a Divorce Attorney Reed sets up show near hers. Reed is all down on love after his parents relationship and he is a divorce lawyer...so he sees the bad. But being around Monica she has a way about her that makes him start to believe. Can these two total opposite people find their way to each other? Really cute romance.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5 Stars)
Title: Under Her Spell
Author(s): Eliza Watson
Character(s):
― Monica Johnson: Twenties, (Chestnut) Brunette, Brown Eyed
― Reed Walker: Twenties, Brunette/Black, Blue Eyed
Setting: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: PG-13
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Subtle
Favorite Quote(s):
― “You might not always like what I have to say, but I’m a man of my word. You can trust me.”
― “How can you have more faith in love and marriage than in yourself?”
Overall Opinion:
What better way to find love than casting a little love spell? With an introduction like that, I was immediately drawn to the the storyline and the lovable polar opposite leads. One hand you have Monica Johnson, the love guru whose passion is helping couples popped the big question in even bigger ways with Enhance Your Romance and the other hand Reed walker, citywide known and well hated divorce attorney. When Reed ends up temporary (unbeknownst to Monica) moving his law office next door for three months with a marriage slogan plastered on his office window and his down-on-love clients quickly prove detrimental to Monica’s business, she's determine to get rid of Reed out of her life. But with the ongoing attraction she's feeling towards him defer her from her plan? She had never expected that she'll be the one to fall under his spell.

With that being said, Under Her Spell has a great lead of characters, nice wit/humor, and great sexual tension/attraction between Monica and Reed that made the read worth while. Despite the lack of smexy scenes, it didn't take away from the overall premise of the series and the heated moments between the leads definitely made up for it.

[Giselle]

Review copies can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract. What a wise adage. And this wise adage is probably the best way to describe Monica and Reed's relationship. After all, how else could you explain the attraction and functioning relationship between a divorce lawyer and romantic event planner?
I actually enjoyed reading them finally getting together, and it didn't feel like 'insta-love' and there was quite a good build up of tension leading up to it.
Monica was likeable, and even Reed, was charming right from the get-go. At least for me. So, definitely no complaints here about characterisation. Although if I did have one little thing, it might just be that the story felt a bit all over the shop with all these different characters and their individual stories. It wasn't so bad that I felt like I couldn't read it without checking and thinking about the names every 5 seconds, but perhaps cutting back a little would have been nice.
I do have to say, I loved that the little bits of 'magic' and 'spells' was just a nice little novelty part of the story. I didn't feel like it would have changed the story too much if it hadn't been there, but it was still a nice touch. Particularly that Reed smells like jasmine to Monica - exactly what she put in her spell...
Overall, a nice novel - perfect for by the pool!
Note: I was given an ARC of this novel from the publisher and the author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[RoloPoloBookBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Her Spell by Eliza Watson
Source: NetGalley
My Rating:3/5 stars

**MINI-REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: Under Her Spell is one of those reads that holds absolutely no surprises and offers nothing new as far as the genre goes, but it still a likeable story. Monica is a decent if somewhat naïve character while Reed is suitably sexy and plucky. The interactions between the two are funny and fraught with all kinds of tension, but that just makes the eventual HEA all the better. It took me just a couple of hours to plow through this book and I laughed at all the right places, was outraged when I was supposed to be, and got the predictable HEA I was expecting. I pretty much new all this going into this read so I wasn’t at all upset or disappointed. In fact, I was able to totally relax into this book and simply enjoy the read before bedtime. If you’re looking for a cute, sweet, somewhat predictable, yet still fun read, Under Her Spell is just for you.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quick romance! In this story, Monica Jackson owns a romantic event business. Memorable, creative engagements, anniversaries and first dates are her specialty. Then, a high profile divorce attorney, Reed Walker moves his office in next door advertising that marriage is not a “life sentence “.

Monica has had a series of failed business plans and relationships. She wants a change, and casts a spell seeking her soul mate. Enter Reed, charming and debonair, until she realizes he is the attorney next door.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say they have some ups and downs, but ends as a happily ever after. This story was light hearted and perfect for a cozy evening read.

Thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monica owns a business as a romantic events planner and is looking for love herself. When she casts spells to help with both these projects she is dismayed when Reed, a divorce lawyer moves into the office next door. How can these two very different people learn to live with offices next to each other?

Light romance with a smattering of magic. Some explicit scenes, but fades to black rather than get too explicit. The build up of the relationship was a good balance and I liked the bits from Reed's perspective.

This was a very comfortable read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this one a shot as I have really enjoyed Ms. Watson's Mag's and Biddy series as well as her Caity Shaw series.
I have read several women's fiction books and enjoyed them.
I found this one to be a bit silly in places and just wished that Monica and Reed would just get on with it and be done with it so the story could move along.
Then I realized that that was part of moving the story along.

[Conna N Condon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The opening almost caused me to stop reading it. Did not get interested in a ditz who keeps opening new businesses without any kinda hint of any business smarts. I think the new divorce lawyer next door should give her a wide berth. Ah well, he doesn’t. I think he is why I kept reading. His issues are interesting and he ‘needs’ her to overcome his issues. She remains a ditz. Could not warm up to her. They do have sex. It is not described. I appreciated that.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story, not great but fun. The writing was a big heavy-handed on the explanations and overall fluff in some areas. The whole magic aspect was a bit suspect and kind of fuzzy. But a fun, easy read with an apparnet happy ending.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided and honest review.

#UnderHerSpell #NetGalley

[Laura Hannaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, funny slightly paranormal romance about opposites attracting. Monica is an amateur witch and romance consultant. Reed is a successful divorce attorney who is very cynical about love and commitment. When they meet sparks fly and the story develops from there.

This was well written and entertaining and fans of the genre should really enjoy it!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

[Laura Hannaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, funny slightly paranormal romance about opposites attracting. Monica is an amateur witch and romance consultant. Reed is a successful divorce attorney who is very cynical about love and commitment. When they meet sparks fly and the story develops from there.

This was well written and entertaining and fans of the genre should really enjoy it!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

[Ellen Hedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

under Her Spell

Reed Walker is a hottie divorce lawyer, he does not believe in lasting marriages. But it’s pretty hard to resist Monica, especially after she casts a “ true love” spell. This book is romantic and sweet and made me smile.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't really like it. I've read quite a few of this author's works and enjoyed them a lot, but this one didn't feel like she had worked on it.

Quite disappointing, glad I didn't pay for this novel.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read about spells and magic on the first page I wasn't too sure about this book although the magic doesn't make the book. This is a lovely romance story with a lot of sexual tension built up throughout the novel. It is very much an enemies become lovers story

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, a short and sweet story, perfect for a winter's night reading!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite book by Eliza, I miss the laugh out moments from her other stories. Having said that if you like romantic reads then this is perfect for you.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/23/2022)! 🎁

[Stasia Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Opposites attract and grow into a loving couple. Silly charms and hocus-pocus only gave the story some depth. Good characters and interesting relationships. Fun story.

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, fanciful, and quirky.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some plot holes and nonsequiters and I can't necessarily get on bored with spells and such but to each their own.

[Meredith Morizio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into it. Tried to read it twice and stopped about 20% in both times

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean- hea- quirky but cute

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Under Her Spell" is a good fit for readers looking for an uplifting and lighthearted story about finding self-confidence, love, and success despite external challenges and past failures.

[KathyNV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy funny, quirky and so romantic you can’t help but love “Under Her Spell”! Monica’s newest business venture is dear to her heart...an event planner for those romantic times in life when you want to wow your significant other. Her new venture is just getting on it’s feet when an new tenant moves in next door....smart, sexy, dreamy blue eyes and a dimple in his cheek...wait for it.....he’s also stubborn, smart and intimidating....yep a Divorce Lawyer! This is bad for business! What’s a girl to do? A few spells, a repurposed Rolex, a kiss here and a look there....let the games begin! Eliza Watson has another winner!

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Monica and Reed. She helps people plan proposals and romantic events, and he is a divorce lawyer.
A quirky, fun and entertaining read.

[Jypsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Her Spell is a fun romance read with a bit of magic for a nice twist. It's a typical premise for a cute love story. The characters are likeable and entertaining. A fast feel good read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Under Her Spell was a quick and lighthearted read. Although it was quite predictable, it was enjoyable. I felt like Reed and Monica's romance was quite superficial and there could've been more development, especially since some characters and their side stories didn't add anything to the plot. I also had the impression that there would be a slightly more supernatural element to the story, but the spells were just part of Monica's quirky character. This was a fun read, but there wasn't anything particularly new or unique about it.

2.5 Stars

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fun and light. A nice rom com with a bit of heat. The creativity of the romantic proposals and such that Monica plans adds some extra amusement.

The spells are fairly subtle, and I enjoy the way both the spells and things like tarot readings are blended into the plot.

Each character is definitely a character, especially the supporting ones! I think Hope was my favorite. Reed and Monica are wonderful together, and a good example of opposites attracting.

3.5 Stars