This book had a very interesting mythology, but it felt a bit confused in the time it was set, it felt like maybe it was a turn of the century story, but some of the super modern phrases and slang almost took me out of the story completely.
I didn't the characters, didn't feel any real connection with them. But I did enjoy the Slavic folklore and I love a pronunciation guide.

Okay, wow.

This was my first book by the author and I am glad I have Midnight Girls ready because I am enchanted with her writing and mind.

This story follows Gisela, a water nymph, in her quest to regain her humanity...what does she need to do so? A kiss form a mortal, of course. Her only obstacle? The small town's resident exorcists who is hell (ha!) bent on getting rid of her. After a failed exorcism, Kazik is forced to strike up a deal with Gisela: help her get her kiss and she'll be out of his life for good! Except...the Saints seem to have it out for Kazik because Gisela doesn't want a kiss from just anyone, she wants it from Kazik's old childhood crush. A boy who is not only extremely gorgeous and kind but he also seems vaguely familiar to Gisela? Odd...

I did not know what to expect when I requested this ARC but I was blown away by the magic and world building in this story. It is said to be inspired by Spirited Away and, even though I have not watched it, I can definitely feel the Ghibli vibes to this. It was fantastic, so atmospheric and tangible, it definitely transports you into this little tourism spot, filled with little spa villa's in the middle of beautiful nature sights. I was truly enchanted with the creatures the author described, they are inspired by Polish folklore with a marvelous spin. I truly adored it!

The audience for this book targets Young Adult readers and I would consider it age appropriate, as a queer adult I'd have loved to have a book like this growing up that normalized gender and sexuality in such a loving manner. The author does not shy away from representing the queer community and from broaching what we sometimes consider "difficult" topics to bring up with young people, such as grief, polyamory, sexual identity, gender identity, child neglect and violence, I deeply appreciated how these topics were handled and hope they bring awareness to everyone who picks this one up. We need to put more books like this in young readers hands.

The banter between the characters is a riot to read! I loved their dynamic, how they were introduced, the friendships and the romance, of course. Following Kazik's emotional journey was a gem, I enjoyed watching him contemplate his beliefs and question them. I adored Gisela's humor and...cluelessness, even a little naïveté, she definitely felt her age and made me remember how many mistakes I made back then. I appreciated her growth the most. In comes our resident morally-gray love interest, the object of both, Gisela and Kazik's adoration, Aleksey. He was everything I hoped in a villainous vibes character. The book did let me wanting more from his character POV and development but once I reached the end I understood why and I only hope we get more books in the future!

This is perfect for someone wanting a cute, fun, queer, whimsical YA fantasy with romance sprinkled in, hilarious banter, Little Mermaid vibes and some darker undertones.

All that being said, I would've liked more! More of Gisela's deeper motivations and feelings, more of Kazik's emotional and metal challenges and struggles. I just hope the author continues with the story and gives us a deeper look into their minds, I would for sure pick it up.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

This is a queer romantasy about a water nymph (Gisela) who blackmails the towns exorcist into helping her regain her humanity. In order to do that, she has to receive a kiss from a mortal. Her plan turns upside down when they both fall for the same guy, who may or may not have something to do with her dark past.

My Thoughts: This book was a wild ride and I enjoyed every moment. From the Slavic folklore to the poly love triangle, I was all the way pulled in. The writing is very whimsical and the setting was magical. The characters popped off the freakin’ page! The mystery aspect was my favorite part and I could go on for hours about how much I adored the main character, Gisela.

We get different POV’s, which made me very happy because I loved getting to see inside the three main characters heads.

The actions scenes were very well written! I was genuinely scared and on the edge of my seat every time a fight broke out, or when one of the creatures made an appearance.

If I had to point out one thing I didn’t like, it would have to be some of the scenes that dragged on. I felt like some conversations could’ve been cut short.

But besides that, this was a very original story that made my fairytale loving heart feel whole. I can’t wait until it comes out so I can add it to my book collection.

I've never read a book detailing folklore like this before. It was a really pleasant, funny read. I was able to guess who the antagonists were, but it didn't bother me that it was predictable. I loved the character development, and the showcasing of "is it okay to like more than one person?". I feel like with polyamory representation, you always see the "oh it's okay that's how life is, I accept it, and I'm poly too!" side, and not the "I don't know what I'm doing but I know I like more than one person, is that okay???" side of romances, and I really like the hesitancy, and the uncertainty, but also the willingness of kazik to come to giselas rescue. He blossomed into such a sweet character, and was easily one of my favorites. I'm excited for the sequel, and for the redemption of the "villain" who may not be so villainous after all...

Thank you to NetGalley and PeachtreeTeen for an e-ARC in exchange for my review!

“This Fatal Kiss” weaves folklore, wonderful LGBTQIA+ rep, and delightful banter together into a fun and original story that I would recommend to readers who enjoy their YA fantasy with a bit of whimsy and fairytale.

My List of Standout Pros:
1. I loved the folklore/mythology - world building can get so heavy handed at times but I had no trouble here
2. THE BANTER. Gisela and Kazik are just a couple of knuckleheads and I just love them.

My List of Standout Cons:
1. There were a few plot pacing issues for me where things were either too drawn out and repetitive or too hurried.
2. I would have preferred a little less foreshadowing and would have liked the big reveal to take place at the end rather than halfway through.

Overall, 3.5 stars and a solid, fun read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy. I really liked this. The only thing that felt a little weird was the unspecified time period, but even that part was enjoyable. Gisela is one of the rusałki—the spirits of girls who died violent deaths in bodies of water—who desperately wants to regain her humanity. Unfortunately, to do that, she has to win a kiss from a mortal, and every time she gets close, the infuriating and broody local exorcist stops her. The exorcist, Kazik, wants nothing more than to rid the town of the evil spirits that lurk in the shadows. But when Kazik tries to get rid of Gisela for good, his magic fails him. The two strike up a deal: she won’t let his secret slip to the other spirits, and he’ll help her get a kiss. The only problem? They both fall for the same person, a charming and handsome boy with a mysterious past who may just be linked to Gisela’s death. This is a really fun and cozy polyamorous fantasy.

Honestly, this book is lovely. It's well written and the romance is sweet. I docked a star because every now and then there was a line or dialogue or an idea that was a little too contemporary to be in a fantasy book. However, I understand that This Fatal Kiss is on a teen imprint. I look forward to reading more from the series.

Its a whimsical and beautiful tale! I enjoyed Gisela and Kazik's playful (cough flirty) banter, and how Aleksey is woven into the group. I love the lore and the background of the story, and how it was so atmospheric and immersive. Adore the rusalki girls! It was heartwarming and felt like a good cup of tea aaaaaaa I really enjoyed it!

(4.5/5)

this was my first time reading an earc, and i'm so happy i got to read this amazing fantasy. it's been awhile since i felt such joy reading a book!

this whimsical tale highlights slavic folklore, which i was quite unaware of. experiencing a fantasy from a different culture was fascinating.
it's a rich story of love, identity, and magic. gisela's hope to return to her family, especially her younger brother, was relatable, reflecting the desire to protect younger siblings.
i cannot emphasize enough how much i loved the setting! the incorporation of slavic mythology creates an immersive atmosphere that is both enchanting and eerie. ngl, i felt slightly spooked at times (which i loved), and the mystery was thrilling!
the poignant quest for humanity forms the emotional core of the story, driving the plot and the protagonist's character development. the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, belonging, and the nature of humanity.
gisela’s desire to reclaim her life makes her a resilient and hopeful character. i enjoyed her a lot. optimists are always my favorite in fiction ♡ the depiction of a found family is heartwarming, highlighting bonds of love and loyalty that anyone can feel.

the poly romance (mmf) at the heart of the story is handled with sensitivity and nuance. each character is well-developed, with their own backstories and motivations, making their relationship feel authentic and compelling. both male leads are intriguing characters. kazik is the cutest, and i can't wait to know more about aleksey beyond what we know now. i love how the book takes time to let us know them!

and now i am already waiting for the second book!

#ThisFatalKiss #NetGalley

A whimsical fantasy filled with dark magic and flirty, polyamorous romance?! Sign me up!

What I loved about this book:
1. The main female character, Gisela - flirty, witty, funny, chaotic, she brought sooo much personality to the book. I was really invested in her story!
2. The setting is absolutely beautiful. A pixie core spa town with soo much flora, fauna & bustling tourist town vibes!! Bonus point - the cover matches that aesthetic to the dot!
3. The romance was unexpected for me, I didn't know this was a polyamorous fantasy but I loved it. All 3 characters has distinct personalities, cute to read!
4. The extra pizazz that POLISH FOLKLORE adds to this book was mind-blowing to me. The author ended up bringing up sooo many elements with seamless penmanship. I was in awe esp for the first few chapters.

However, this book rambles on for sooo long that I had to remind myself to get back to it since my mind veered off reading this. The author repeats the same point over and over which got very boring and I just wanted to reach the end

Overall, this was definitely a unique YA romantasy that I enjoyed.

I’m not sure what I just read.

Walking into this, I was expecting something within the realm and Lore of Allison Saft, but with the chemistry and drama of Jennifer Lynn Barnes— I think, instead, it leaned a bit too far to the latter. This book read YA the way Twilight reads YA: its handling rather adult themes, but is choked attempts at being “like the cool kids” that the dialogue felt cringe worthy. Its a super unique and interesting idea, the concept has enough foundation to lead you through the story without too many questions, but I also felt spoon-fed…

Gisela is a nymph, and for those who like Siren/Mermaid mischievous, this is within that vein. Kazik was something between Aiden Thomas’s characters and… something else I can’t quite place. He had a bit more naivety than I expected, especially if he’s so determined to make his mark. I wish I loved them more, but the quips and I just weren’t vibing. I think this is a classic case of “its not you, its me.”

That being said, the LGBTQIA+ representation is quite healthy in this one. I loved seeing the diversity and messiness of our main characters. This acts as a good self-discovery, coming of (young adult) age story that I really enjoyed from a literary perspective.

But personally, the almost TV-drama conversations and teasing was a but young for my taste… this book prevails in whimsy and vibes.

The book is about Slavic mythology, introducing a variety of legendary figures. The main character is Gisela, a Rusalka, which is the water spirit of a girl who died violently near water. She desires nothing more than to become human again. When she learns that all it takes is a kiss from a human, she makes it her mission to get that kiss. She even hires Kazik, the local exorcist who should actually be her archenemy, as a matchmaker, since she has her sights set on his school friend Aleksey. The following chapters are full of teasing, flirting, and lots of humor, making the pages fly by.

I could hardly put the book down and often found myself grinning or laughing out loud. The book has a wonderfully light yet mythical atmosphere that is hard to put into words.

I found the treatment of sexuality particularly interesting, as the romantic relationship is polyamorous and pansexual, and there are many other examples of queer love in the book. Despite this, the book also shows how conservative society can be and the impact this has on dealing with one's own sexuality - including feelings of guilt, justification, or hiding it from older family members.

Due to the many unique words for the legendary figures, I wouldn't recommend the book to beginners in reading English books. There are also occasionally more difficult terms. Nevertheless, I found it very fluid to read and rarely stumbled over words.

Overall, a great book, although I would have liked the ending to be a bit more detailed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 stars - I highly recommend it! It will be released on September 10th - pre-order it!

In this beautiful spa village, danger lurks. It might be the rusałki, the spirits of maidens who died violent deaths. It might be the local exorcist, hell-bent on getting his power under crontrol. Or it might be something else altogether…
.
This Fatal Kiss is fast-paced and full of whimsy, which kept me entertained the whole time. I read the first 50% of this book in one sitting! What I appreciate most was that despite the plot moving quickly, no understanding was spared. I felt like I had been dropped into the setting and I could picture it perfectly. And the author’s sense of humor kept me smirking and laughing out loud. I’m laughing now just rereading my Kindle highlights. This is a fantasy tale, but it also tackles some tender discussions about bisexuality and polyamory.
.
I was a little frustrated when I finished the book and there were still a few loose ends or things I was wondering about. The author has said that she’s working on a sequel, which hopefully the publisher will green light if the first book does well. (Side note: I NEED IT TO DO WELL. I have to have the sequel, okay?!) Some dialogue was repetitive and some of the modern slang the characters used took me out of the setting for a minute, but I also know it’s an eARC that’s subject to change. These things could have already been revised. Regardless, the story is amazing and I encourage everyone to go into it with an open heart and an open mind because this book is loads of fun.
.
Thank you to NetGalley, PeachTree Teen, and Alicia Jasinska for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Gisela, a water nymph, is cursed and longs to return to the living world to reunite with her family. The key to breaking her curse and regaining her humanity lies in receiving a kiss from a mortal—Kazik is on a mission to rid the world of monstrous creatures like Gisela. When Kazik fails to exorcise Gisela, she blackmails him to help her find a mortal to kiss to reverse the curse. Complications arise when Kazik develops feelings for the same person as Gisela.

Who doesn't like a love triangle? This book is based on folklore that blends elements of fairytales and fantasy. The banter between Gisela and Kazik is humorous. Gisela's character is particularly compelling as a determined individual resonates. Kazik's internal struggles add complexity to the story. My main issues are the repetitiveness and the pacing. Overall, the story is enjoyable, plus the cover art is outstanding.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Peachtree Teen.

This Fatal Kiss Review
ARC Review

Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Gisela, a water nymph, is seeking a kiss from a human so that she may return to her human form. However, her efforts are thwarted at every turn by Kazik, the exorcist. Kazik finds Gisela to be a pest causing trouble, as he does most other spirits. He captures Gisela and is ready to exorcise her when the unthinkable happens, his magic sputters out.

An unexpected friendship blooms between the two, as Kazik agrees to help Gisela get a kiss so that she can become human again. Though he didn’t realize she was seeking a kiss from a boy he also liked.

This story is based around Slavic folklore, which I really enjoyed. Gisela is such a fun and witty character. I loved Gisela and Kazik’s interactions and banter. The author did such a great job with the progression of their relationship. This book is a polyamorous romance, and I felt like the third character didn’t get quite the same progression with the trio’s relationship. However, this is only the first book and I’m hoping we get more!

The author painted a cozy, fairytale atmosphere with this book. She had so much queer representation (gender fluid, bisexual, transgender) and a lot of positive messages for young people who are trying to understand their sexuality. She also discusses the social issues they may face (i.e. hiding their sexuality from family/friends, people not understanding/judging them, etc). This book is YA and therefore has no more spice than a heated kiss, which also seemed appropriate for the story.

The book ends with a cliff hanger so I’m really hoping for a second book! This book releases on September 10th! If you like whimsical fairytales, cottage core, found family, polyamorous love triangles, and magic, consider adding this to your TBR!

DNF at 40%

I was eager to read This Fatal Kiss due to its intriguing premise — I’m a big fan of whimsical romantic fantasies, especially if they also include elements of folklore and fairy tales. This Fatal Kiss delivered with its charming, magical vibes, however, I couldn’t connect to the characters and I felt like the tone of the story was off. I also felt like the dialogue was too modern and didn’t fit the vibes of the story in the way that I was expecting. The set-up of what I did read was interesting, but not enough to hold my attention all the way through. It was interesting and fresh though to see polyamorous characters in a young adult fantasy book as I don’t think there are many in the genre.

Thank you NetGalley & Alicia for allowing me to read this e-ARC, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read! 💚

Rating: 4/5 ⭐

My review:

The premise of This Fatal Kiss is undeniably enchanting, promising a mix of dark magic, whimsical settings, and a flirty, polyamorous romance that is not often seen in YA fantasy..
Well done Alicia! 👏🏻

The story centers on Gisela, a water nymph cursed to haunt a river and longing to return to her family. Her path crosses with Kazik, a spirit hunter with diminishing magic, leading to an intriguing, albeit complex, partnership.

✨ Strengths:

1. Magical Setting: The depiction of the magical spa town and its spirit inhabitants is beautifully vivid. I was OBSESSED with the folklore element - finding out so much about different types of dark spirits, their names & how they go about their business. The author has a knack for world-building, creating a backdrop that is both mystical, captivating and truly immersive.

2. Character Dynamics: Gisela and Kazik's reluctant alliance evolves in interesting ways, particularly as Kazik's personal struggles and Gisela's desperation to become human again create a rich, tenseness that you can feel through the pages. The water goblin was also a fantastic addition, I felt I had a soft spot for him.

3. Queer Representation: The inclusion of a polyamorous romance and queer characters is super refreshing and a first for me! It definitely adds a layer of diversity that is much needed in the genre. The exploration of these relationships is handled with sensitivity and care.

When the major plot twist occurs, I was completely thrown back & loved this about TFK!

✨ Weaknesses:

1. Pacing: While the setting and characters are compelling, the pacing of the plot often feels uneven. The initial build-up is slow, and just when the story begins to gain momentum, it falters, leading to a sense of slight frustration.

2. Polyamorous Relationship Development: Given the blurb's promise of a flirty, polyamorous romance - the interactions and emotional depth between Gisela, Kazik, and the handsome Aleksey could have been more fully developed! I was hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for their romance to blossom more. The romantic tension is 100% there, but it often feels like it’s on the periphery rather than the focus.

3. The ending: The climax and resolution of the story leave something to be desired. Key plot points, particularly concerning Gisela's past and the resolution of her curse, feel rushed and lack the emotional payoff that the buildup warrants.

I really wanted to not read about Alekseys' POV in the epilogue.. I wanted them to be together in Kaziks' room discussing what went down & where they wanted to go or how they saw their polyamorous relationship developing. I feel there was a big space where Alicia could really spice things up 👀

✨Conclusion:

TFK is a whimsical and darkly enchanting read that promises a unique blend of magic and subtle romance. While the setting and character dynamics are strengths, the pacing and development of the polyamorous relationship leave room for improvement. Fans of queer romantasy and fairy tales will find much to enjoy, but those looking for a deeply satisfying romantic read might be left wanting more..

✨Recommendation: For readers who enjoy lush world-building and unique character interactions, TFK is worth a read, even if the romance element might not fully satisfy.

I can't wait to see what the sequel will be like & will definitely be picking it up, maybe I've been too impatient & this was all part of building the storyline and deeper romance of the three characters... 🤔 I do love a steamy ending.

This was fantastic! A love triangle mixed with Slavic folklore! I was wondering before I picked it up if it would be too sappy, but it wasn’t at all. It had just the right amount of tension. I highly recommend this and am looking forward to the next book!

This Fatal Kiss is a magical joy to read. It's full of mythology, learning friendships, a poly romance, positive family figures and more! I loved the dynamic between the three main characters, and the secret one of them keeps is so intriguing. I'm already excited for book two.

I spent the entire time reading This Fatal Kiss kicking my legs and giggling. This book was a quick-paced, whimsical read with a bi4bi4bi poly relationship that I adored. Jasinska does an excellent job of balancing the lighthearted banter with the darker aspects of Slavic mythology. This Fatal Kiss is genuinely one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while, and recommend it to anyone with a passion for mythology and urban fantasy.

I did feel mildly let down by the ending, I believe a little bit more clarity and finality would've made this read more enjoyable for me. Despite this, This Fatal Kiss is the most deserved 4 star read I've read all year. I will definitely be looking into Jasinska's other work after this one.