This was a really fun YA fantasy with a lot of Slavic folklore elements. As someone who loves YA, fantasy and grew up with Slavic folklore, this book felt like quite the magic cozy fantasy. Our main girl Gisela is smart and funny and so spunky, and Kazik is brooding but you want to tuck him into a blanket cocoon cause he's so adorable and I LOVED Aleksey and how he was slightly mischievous! Jasinska not only showcases her knowledge of Slavic folklore (expected so not surprising) but expertly wields it into her absolutely magical world.
Another thing that was done incredibly well was the queer rep - it was so refreshing to read and it just...existed. There was a bit of biphobia/homophobia, but I think the resolutions were well done and I enjoyed the polyamorous rep as well, there aren't many books, especially in YA that have that. I also really enjoyed the slowly growing battle between the old religion/Slavic paganism vs the growing religion of what we would now know as Christianity. I especially enjoyed Kazik's point of view of it and I really love when a book tackles it especially when it comes to Slavic folklore being on the other side!
Overall, an incredibly enjoyable YA book with a few fun twists and turns, fantastic characters and a fantastic romance as well! Can't wait to see what the author gets up to in the future!
Final rating: 4.75 stars
Thank you to NetGalley/the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Okay (1) NOBODY TOLD ME THIS WAS A SERIES, I'm screaming crying at the cliffhanger (it was a nice ending but also I NEED the remaining threads to be solved, and I NEED to read more about the core 3 😭😭)

(2) The cozy fantasy really cozy fantasy-ed in this one, reading this was like drinking a warm cup of coffee 😭

(3) Also theworld building and all the mythical spirits? The secondary characters and the found family? 10/10

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

"This Fatal Kiss" is a whimsical, folkloric fantasy romance and a solid 4⭐!

There was so much I enjoyed about this book. I loved the rusalka/water nymph, Gisela and her fun personality, and the way her little-mermaid-esque plot intertwined with the exorcist, Kazik, and his hunt for spirits melded so perfectly. The addition of Aleksey and the blossoming polyamorous romance between the three of them was delightful and I loved how balanced their dynamic felt. No character in the love triangle was left out and the plot did a very good job of having the three of them interact with one another. It felt natural.

I really liked the writing and the Slavic folklore made the setting and worldbuilding feel complete. I assumed this was a standalone, and I think it could still be read as one, but by the end of the book, I was wondering if we were going to get more of this story and, after finishing, I was glad to find out there will be more!

Overall, I really loved this book and I'm really excited to where the next book will take us!

The cover pulled me in so hard I got whiplash, However I fear I am not a polyamory girlie, AND that's okay.

This book was not really up my alley, but I can totally see how other people would eat this up!! The setting is so magical and whimsical, the whole story feels like it was written with a pink glitter pen ✨

The one thing that was not for me was the characters, especially the way the main character spoke. There was just a little too much gen z vibe to the dialogue — I found that it didn’t really fit the setting.

A whimsical queer fantasy filled with magic and folklore!

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing an ARC in exchange for a review! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm a sucker for anything related with mythology and folklore, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well planned out these elements were on the book. In this story in particular, we are introduced to water nymphs, witches, exorcists, spirits and other demons. However, what first attracted me to this book was not this unique plot, but the absolutely stunning art cover! I literally can't stop thinking about it - and how brilliantly it captures the essence of the novel!

The story is told from different points of view, which makes it easier to get into the story and get to know our characters: Gisela, a devious rusałka; Kazik, a brooding exorcist; and Aleksei, a mysterious boy who would become very dear to both of them. Without giving too much of it away.... this is an actual love triangle! Bi panic, constant flirting and confusing emotions.

I really enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it not only to fans of folklore, but also to any romance readers!

I liked this story, it had a great ballance of cozy and deep. I enjoyed it from the beginning. I love folklore of it and the idea of two different people coming to love.

I picked this up wanting something quick and easy and it was even better than I expected. I loved the incorporation of Slavic folklore and aspects of the culture too, I appreciated that the love triangle was ACTUALLY a triangle and not a love 90 degree angle. The ending though...I thought this was supposed to be a standalone?? Now I'm left on a cliffhanger. It was still amazing though!

Cozy read, amazing scenery description!
Immaculate vibes all throughtout the book, cute folktale storyline.
3.5 stars!

Such a nice cozy read and was very impressed that this was the debut for this author. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for their next works :)

Reminded me of "The Bear and the Nightingale", "Little Thieves" and "Spirited Away" and these are all some of my favorite things. So of course I enjoyed this one as well. Now I'm hoping for a sequel ...

Although I was excited by the summary of the book, I don't think it lived up to my expectations. While I really liked the protagonist, the idea of ​​a polyamorous relationship, and the folklore, I think the writing left a lot to be desired. I don't think I'll continue with the next book.

At the beginning I find a hard time trying to like this book, I don't know what happened or why, but as long as I kept reading I was loving it more and more. It's true I can't say its a favorite but it is a good book. I have a good time however and I really recommend it. The vibes are immaculate and some of the scenes are so dreamy you forget you're reading.

I very much enjoyed the book. It was a little hard to begin but I adored the world and characters. This was also my first time reading from this author and after this, I'd certainly pick up more from her.

I loved this book! Beautifully written and I love the way the characters interacted with each other. It was so whimsical and the relationships were compelling. I don't normally see books based off of slavic folktales, and I loved to hear that this wasn't a standalone!

This Fatal Kiss is an overwhelmingly fine YA fantasy read. Sometimes it was cute. Sometimes it was funny. The characters had good moments and good banter. I enjoyed the ambiguous time period and fairytale-esque plethora of magical creatures. But it really just failed to leave an impression on me.

I was disappointed to discover that This Fatal Kiss was not a standalone as I expected. Honestly, I don’t think I see why this story needed to be stretched into multiple books. I think this book would have benefited from having more going on. It dragged in places and there were a lot of repetitive conversations. It felt like it was forcing the need for a sequel by delaying that last reveal and/or confrontation. It left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

The cozy fantasy that came at the right time. It was light fantasy though there are some darker themes inside. The MC was fun, likable and so unserious. I enjoyed the polyamory aspect of this book, fun to read even though you might ship one couple more than the other. Interesting worldbuilding and I think there will be a sequel.

This Fatal Kiss is an intriguing take on Slavic folklore, blending eerie magic with a queer, polyamorous romance. Gisela’s struggle to reclaim her humanity and Kazik’s role as an exorcist set up a compelling premise, and the atmospheric world-building adds a haunting beauty to the story. However, while the book has strong themes and an original concept, it sometimes feels like it only scratches the surface. The characters and relationships could have been explored with more depth, and certain plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped. Despite this, it's still an enjoyable and refreshing read for those looking for a dark, folklore-inspired fantasy. Looking forward to the next book as i found the ending to be a bit abrupt, but as long as there's a next one i'm happy :)
It's a 3,5 star for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley

While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

This Fatal Kiss presents a unique take on Slavic folklore, weaving a tale of spirits, exorcists, and complex relationships. The story centers on Gisela, a water nymph yearning to regain her humanity through a mortal's kiss, and Kazik, a brooding exorcist determined to rid the world of unholy creatures like Gisela. Their paths intertwine when Gisela proposes a pact: if Kazik helps her secure the kiss she needs, she'll cease her disruptive antics. Complications arise when both develop feelings for Aleksey, a charming young man with ties to Gisela's mysterious past.

The novel's premise is intriguing, and Jasinska's prose vividly brings to life the enchanting yet eerie setting. The incorporation of Slavic myths adds depth, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar folklore. However, while the atmospheric world-building is commendable, the narrative's pacing occasionally falters. Some sections feel prolonged, and the romantic tension, though promising, sometimes lacks the necessary depth to fully engage the reader.

Despite these pacing issues, fans of lyrical fantasy and slow-burn romances may find much to appreciate. The exploration of queer relationships within a fantastical context is a notable strength, providing representation that feels both natural and heartfelt. While the story didn't entirely resonate with me, I recognize its potential appeal to readers who enjoy dark, romantic fantasies enriched with cultural mythology.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an early copy for review.