My opinion of this book kept changing a lot as I read it, so I'm settling right in the middle with three stars.

I really liked how the author went about the subject of Ro's father's death. The book already has the great magical realism aspect with the love spells and the added paranormal aspect was very touching. I enjoyed seeing Ro's perspective change in terms of believing that her father was still around.

The magical realism was really fun and I liked the discussions about magic toward the end of the book. Luca was a good (if not a little flat) character and I want to give a shout-out to the author for communicating through Luca that trade schools and community colleges are valid options post-high school.

I didn't like how tropey parts of this book were. I lost count of how many times Luca said Ro wasn't like other girls, that she's different, that she's special, etc. I also didn't like that Ro never seemed to stand up for herself and how passive she could be. It felt many times like she was on the brink of actually taking charge of something and then she suddenly backed off. It got annoying by the end.

Overall, this book was fun. I definitely would have liked it more if I was younger, so maybe I wasn't completely the target audience for this read. I'd be open to reading more from this author but won't rush to get her books.

This is a really cute book. The lead character is really likeable and I loved the family dynamics she had with her dad and her best friend (who was almost a part of their family!). I’d have loved to have read more about her mums character... does that mean I’m officially old?

Obviously some parts of the book are incredibly unrealistic - not only because of the magic, but because of some of the events that happen in terms of friendships breaking down and relationships being formed. It’s a sweet, fluffy book for you to read when you need cheering up. It has a good moral behind the story but doesn’t feel exhausting to read. The adorable cover matches it perfectly!

For a young adult book there are some really mature moments in it so just a warning if you’re looking to buy this book to gift to younger family members... maybe read it yourself first!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

A fantastic novel that keeps your heart in its hands.

I was in love with this book from the very beginning. The opening line made me so intrigued with the book and my interest never float away. I was squeal with joy during the romance sections and was in tears at the end.

The one thing I possible didn’t like was that the minor plot twist was a little predictable but the major romantic one, I had no idea that was coming. It made my eyes water with the emotions that I was feeling.

This was a spectacular read and is 100% worth buying.

Thank you NetGalley and EntangledTeen for sending me an arc copy!

This was a cute light read with an interesting plot. I loved the main characters because they were all intriguing in their own way. Rowan was not the typical goodie two shoes which kept things entertaining.

What I like most about this book was the light plot. It was not overly complicated and it was easy to grasp which was something I was looking for. It is one of those romances where i know what is going to happen next but I am still happy to go along for the ride, you know? Like of course giving out love spells will go left eventually but I was curious as to where Barrett would take this book. Honestly, I really was not upset with how the negative effects occurred to the users. I just felt that it was an obvious course of action and I am annoyed and happy that I did not predict that happening.

What I did not like about the book is how everyone treated Rowan after everything was said and done. I felt like it was wrong to fully blame her because she was not the only person in the project and people should hold themselves accountable. Also, I am not into her best friend, Ethan, for the way he acted either but that is just me.

I tried to love this one, but I ended up DNF @ 20%. It was very descriptive and just seemed a bit too juvenile for my taste. The premise was good, but the execution was lacking.

The storyline is a little unusual for me, for a person who reads a LOT of YA, the plot was pretty new.

Rowan is a daughter of a "Ghost hunter" but doesn't believe in ghosts, spirits or any sort of magic.
Until one day when she writes a love/crush spell as a joke and it actually works. She continues to do it as part of an marketing school project.
As a side story she has found the perfect partner for her who treats her just right and is just perfect in all the senses.
The only over used story line was of the gay best friend Ethan who Rowan has known all her life and who support each other in any and all conditions.

DNF @ 20%. Unfortunately this just wasn’t a good fit for me. It read very young, and I know it’s YA, but it was kinda silly and juvenile. I didn’t care for any of the characters and most seemed like one dimensional stereotypes. Maybe a younger audience would find this book appealing.

The summary seemed cute and I couldn't wait to read this. I stopped after the first chapter because of two things: Rowan had a long stream of consciousness and went into explaining every little thing. The mean girl clique was also a negative due to that stereotype being overused. Rowan even went into detail listing all the reasons the head of the mean girl clique didn't like her and I didn't need to know any of that.

I recieved an e-arc of this from netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So this isn't my normal genre by any means, I don't really read romance novels. Not because I have anything against them, I just vibe with fantasy a lot. But the premise was just enough fantasy to draw me in. Not going to lie to you guys, this didn't wow me and I was slightly bored throughout it.

I loved the first line of this book, "Trust me when I say, there is nothing in the world more socially crippling than having a mother who rehabilitates ghosts for a living." It caught my attention straight away!

We meet our main character Rowan, and her lipstick wearing best friend Ethan. I immediately fell in love with their relationship and banter! They are the typical "I'm not like other girls" and the gay best friend troupe from the start, not my favourite but I rolled with it.

The plot starts when Rowan, who is a sceptic when it comes to magic thanks to her mother, writes a love spell “Uhhh…” Abby reads the book. “Yeah, you have to read it out loud when you’re alone tonight. Light two white candles before you do and then…” She continues reading. “And then burn the spell when you’re done."

The spells were fun and I enjoyed Rowan's septic nature towards it.

Of course we see the 'typical hot guy is interested in quirky shy girl' cliche. And of course our girl Rowan immediately is roped into changing her appearance by the popular girl.  "Abby reads the text and snorts. “Do you want to look cute tomorrow night or do you want to look rock-Luca’s-socks-off hot?”

Also, the romance in this moved so fast. Like one date and they're official? That type of insta-love just doesn't work for me and I couldn't get into their relationship at all.

The plot moved a slowly and nothing really happened for a huge chunk of it. It was very character based and that just isn't for me. When spells went wrong it was interesting and I'm glad it was all resolved in the end.  The ending made up for it for me, and raised it a star because of it.

3.5/ 5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I ended up really enjoying this book. This first half of the book was just okay, the second half was way more enjoyable for me. The magic in this book isn't really built at all, you just kinda have to believe in it. All that being said I did have fun reading this. It was an easy read, so I completely flew through the book. I would recommend it.

Love Spells and Other Disasters is a YA novel full of romance, friendship, family and magic.

Rowan starts to sell love spells for a school project. She was planning on making money for the school project and helping out her partner. Rowan doesn’t believe in magic so she more shocked than anyone when the love spells seem to be working. Rowan also starts dating an attractive, popular, ex-football player. Rowan’s life is going great until the spells start to have unintended consequences. Rowan has to figure out how to fix the spells. Magic always has a consequence but will Rowan find a way to fix the spell that doesn’t make everything worse?

Love Spells and Other Disasters is a very entertaining YA romance. Everyone treats Rowan like she is weird, so she only has one friend, Ethan. Rowan and Ethan know eachother very well and have always been there for eachother. It is interesting to see how their friendship changes when they are involved in romantic relationships. The story is interesting. I liked how spells and other paranormal elements. Rowan’s mom’s livelihood revolves around paranormal and talking to her late husband, but Rowan doesn’t believe in any of it. Rowan is working on a school project with her enemy, Abby. Rowan and Abby are very different, and Rowan feels like she owes Abby. They start selling love spells that Rowan writes. Love Spells and Other Disasters is unique with the perfect blend of romance, paranormal, friendship and family.

Thank you Entangled Teen and NetGalley for Love Spells and Other Disasters.

I can definitely see why this book would appeal to people. The writing was solid, and the character building was absolutely there. The story progressed very well, and the pacing was decent.

But this one was not for me.

We start out with a teenage introvert Rowan Marshall. She has one friend, the very best in fact, Ethan. He is out and proud and beautifully flamboyant. He balances her simple subtlety perfectly. Rowan’s mother is a psychologist with a love for everything magical and ghostly and she has made quite a living from it. But the woman is still struggling to see past the death of Rowan’s father fifteen years ago when Rowan was just a little baby.

Already, the story was starting off okay. Nothing I had not seen before, but it was fine. It is not until we meet Abby, a popular girl whom Rowan secretly wronged in the past do things start to heat up. For a school project, Abby has the bright idea to incorporate Rowan’s family legacy and the upcoming Valentine’s Day where they will supply love spells to fellow students in a business proposal. And everything seems to be going okay until the spells prove to be working. Soon, people are paying left and right for these spells and Rowan is thrust into the popular realm. Meanwhile, the boy she has always had a crush on, Luca, is suddenly interested in her.

So, you may ask why I did not like this book very much… The absolute lack of consent some of these students are given when love spells are made it so ridiculously off putting to me. While the topic is addressed and it becomes a main concern in the book later on, I was grossed out from the minute the first love spell was cast on students who were unaware. I simply could not see past that and it soured my enjoyment of the book.

As I said before, I can absolutely see why others would enjoy this book. It was not a bad story. But I did not like the non-consent and I didn’t like how it all ended too perfectly after all the chaos that was caused.

The story had so much potential but didn't really deliver. Rowan was probably the best character. The others were a bit flat to me. Her supposed best friend since forever, Ethan, went back and forth in his thoughts and actions in regards to their friendship. Even with the effects of the spell I feel he should have been more loyal since the spells were crush/true love not hate the person who did the spell. Never did like Abby. Story was a bit lighthearted in areas and then pretty heavy in others dealing with abuse. Book needs some fine tuning and a direction.

This was such a cute, quick read!! I loved the idea of the book and I thought it was executed perfectly!! Who doesn’t love a little magic and a little love!?!

Rowan is a quiet character with a whole lot of strength. Luca is a great male character for young readers to crush on- he’s respectful and patient and sweet. The instalove was a little much but hey, this is a book about magic!!

Overall, this was a fun read- they’re not joking about the consequences but I liked seeing everything not get wrapped up with a little bow and a swish of the wrist. This author is definitely one that I’ll be watching!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for this advanced copy of Love Spells and Other Disasters in exchange for an honest review!

This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled Teen!

Love Spells and Other Disasters is the first book I’ve read by Angie Barrett and it won’t be the last one! I really enjoyed reading Love Spells and Other Disasters, it was such a good YA book and I really liked the characters. The story was really unique, I haven’t read something like Love Spells and Other Disasters before.

I’m a big fan of Rowan. She’s really cute and she tries to be a good person by helping other people with love spells. When she realises her mistakes, she tries to correct them. I think this is a beautiful example of character development. I also loved that Angie Barret created a non-binary character who wears makeup and heels. Luca is also a character that I really liked and I had so many swoon moments. He’s so respectful and cute, and I’d definitely fall for him too!

"That’s chemistry, Rowan, and it’s something we’ve got with or without a love spell."

I really liked Love Spells and Other Disasters, but I do have to admit that the book had a slow start and some parts were a bit too long for me. But besides that, I really enjoyed reading this book and I really liked the characters. If you’re looking for a fun YA read, then I definitely recommend this book!

Incredibly unique storyline. This was a little slow to start but once it pulled me in I couldn’t put it down.

For a school project, Rowan winds up working with a popular girl named Abby. She kind of owes Abby one after accidentally ruining her chance at winning a STEM competition a few years ago. Abby is probably playing on Rowan’s family legend a bit when she comes up with the idea though.
Abby talks Rowan into the idea of them selling love spells. She says it’ll be something cute for a holiday like Valentine’s Day and they’ll raise some money for their teacher’s favorite charity by selling the spells.

Rowan’s mom is involved with the paranormal, she is famous for books about reconnecting with those that have passed away. Rowan doesn’t believe in the things her mom believes in, she dislikes it even and it makes her worry about her mom. Her mom has never gotten over the loss of Rowan’s dad and she keeps trying to communicate with him.

Rowan agrees to write the spells but she isn’t expecting them to work.
It seems like a coincidence when the first couple work.
But then Rowan and Abby can’t really argue that it’s beyond reason that some of their love spells work.

Rowan knows she should stop but she feels like she can’t.

Rowan starts dating a new guy named Luca who seems perfect. She starts spending less time with her best friend and he wants a love spell too because he feels alone.

As the spells and relationships start taking on a life of their own, Rowan has to figure out how she can fix everything.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thank you! I really enjoyed it.

**Review will be posted on my blog on 1/21/21**

What I Liked:
*Rowan has an interesting mom who is famous for being a parapsychologist, someone who studies the mystical and unexplainable. Ro feels like people at school thinks she is weird because of it. She has one best friend, Ethan who’s been friends with her since childhood and that pretty much consists of her social life, or lack there of…until a project at school makes her realizes she has the power to cast spells.

*The romance is cute with a touch of heat. There are some sexy scenes but it stays PG-13 for the most part. Luca is the hot jock who is actually a nice guy. The romance comes of as insta-love but he did confess he was into her way before he talked to her. I mean, there are love spells involved so it gets complicated.

*I did like how Rowan and her project partner, Abby, innocently start making these love spells for a project without thinking of the consequences but when it all hits the fan…the consequences are bad. Rowan does the right thing and takes responsibility. She tries her best to fix broken relationships by doing acts of kindness, which I thought was awesome.

*I think this story had a good blend of romance, drama, and witchcraft.

Random Notes:
*Rowan isn’t your typical strong girl who can stand up for herself, Ethan helps her do that. Abby pushes her around when it came to doing the spells, but I guess Rowan felt guilty also for her part in ruining Abby’s science project years ago. I think Rowan is strong in her own way, not loudly, but in telling the truth and acts of kindness.

*We don’t learn much about Rowan’s magic lineage in the story until her mom starts finally talking about her dad which is near the end of the book. It would have been nice to get some idea of how she could do the spells earlier in the book.

*Ethan was her best friend until that spell really took a turn for the worst and he turned on her. That sucked to see since yes Ro cast the spells, but Ethan asked for the spell. I’m just glad they made up.

*I read an arc copy so there were some errors near the end of the book which probably will be cleaned up by publication.

Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this witchy romance story because it was a nice blend of sweetness and drama. I liked seeing Rowan blossom as she starts dating Luca and also it was good to see her tackle the consequences of the love spells going bad by helping the ones she hurt. Even though Rowan and Luca seems like an insta-love kind of deal, he actually was into her way before the spells and I loved their relationship. We get a happy ending and it gave me all the feels in the end, that’s all I wanted, so goal accomplished.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Love Spells and Other Disasters in exchange for an honest review!

This was really cute, for the most part. A little bit of insta love and a significantly larger slice of predicability, Love Spells and Other Disasters follows Rowan--high school sceptic and daughter of famous medium--after realizing that the love spells she's been jokingly writing for a school project actually work.

Where this book loses me a bit is with it's price of magic. You're warned pretty early on that someone'll go wrong if Rowan keeps using the love spells, but what that thing is was surprisingly dark for how light the book had been so far and it makes this book's "protagonist isn't sure whether doing the right thing at a personal loss is worth it" moments cast Rowan as really unlikable. It also speed runs a redemption arc that goes by so quickly that it felt forced and undeserved.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to say about this one because instinctually I wanted to say that it didn't have a lot of substance, but was definitely a cute, fun, read, but it feels weird calling something with the negative effect of magic used here in it cute. It's hard to talk about without spoilers.

This book was ooey-gooey amazing. While some might say it had a little too much cheese, I loved it. I thought while there were some serious consequences to these spells, the book felt light and was a good escape for me. I really enjoyed it and thought the characters were perfect as they were written.

Love Spells and Other Disasters by Angie Barrett is a cute YA romance. While I felt some of it was a little strange, I liked the premise and message of the book. It’s a fun easy read and a nice little escape from reality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read this book.