I felt like the story needed more working on and I did not relate nor feel anything special for the characters. The ideas and folklore are original but should be more developed. 2.5 stars.

Thank you so much, Netgalley, for this arc!

As soon as I saw this book I said: I want it! Fantasy inspired by Slavic folklore, a cozy little town, bisexual characters, a girl transformed into a rusalka (water nymph) who recruits the local exorcist to help her get a kiss from a human so she can regain her humanity, but it turns out that everyone involved gets feelings for each other thus creating a polyamorous triangle... Yes to everything.

This cozy little town, very reminiscent of Spirited Away, is always full of tourists who come to feel the magic of the different bath houses. But it is also full of spirits: water and air nymphs, forest spirits, drowners, even the water goblin who rules the local river and gives home to the rusalka. The town feels full of life and magic on every page of this book, so much so that it makes you want to take a bath in all the Villas.

The characters are charming and complex (and bisexual!). Each one has their clear motivation and at first they are willing to achieve their goals no matter what, but as the plot progresses and feelings grow we see how each character changes a little, not abandoning their goals, but molding them with a more mature view of life (and death). My favorite is Gisela, but Kazik is not far behind, and the more Aleksei's pov’s there were, the more his character is fleshed out.

Although the narration style is simple, I think it suits the story well, because there’s a lot of information about the different spirits (which I loved) and perhaps a more elaborate narration would feel a bit dense. Another thing to notice is the ending; as a stand-alone book, the open ending works, but there are still unanswered questions and I hope more books come out because I would love to return to this world, that's how much I enjoyed it.

I just finished it, not my cup of tea.
The premises were excellent but they were basket developed, especially the relationship between the 3 protagonists. It's a shame because it really had all the potential to become one of my favorite books but that wasn't the case. The world building the author created is beautiful but everything else is very lacking.
What a shame :(

this fatal kiss -

- poly triangle
- found family
- grumpy x sunshine
- magical kisses

This fatal kiss combines slavic folklore with fantasy and horror elements to create a truly wonderful and unique story. there aren’t many stories that have captured my attention like this, i’m not usually a fan of retellings but i ate this up. i am also extremely grateful for the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book.

i loved getting to know the characters, their stories and watching them grow together. my favourite part of this book was definitely learning about slavic folklore. Gisela, our FMC, is a water nymph who can’t remember her dark demise who learn her to be such. she is funny, flirty and charming as well as morally ambiguous and still a teenage girl at heart. the more i read about her, the more i wanted to know her.

the world building in this book was excellently written. i could really see exactly what was being described. there was a great mix of original story and folklore. there was a lot of foreshadowing in this book that i loved! this book hinted at a sequel which i am really hoping for!!

i loved the romance and the enemies to lovers arc, had me on the edge of my seat. i mean, exorcist x demon?? this could be a new favourite trope. i think the way the characters were written in terms of their genders and sexual orientation was perfect. i’m not usually one for poly books but this may have changed my mind!

i absolutely loved this one of a kind story and can’t wait to have a physical copy and have my fingers crossed for more books! thank you Netgalley and Alicia Jasinska for the ARC 🖤

A gorgeous cozy urban fantasy filled with Slavic folklore, loveable characters and an exquisite polyamorous slow-burn romance.

Warning to those that despite starting an unfinished series, this is clearly meant to be a duology (even if there is no mention of it anywhere). While the ending resolves some plotlines, a lot remains unfinished after this volume.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This Fatal Kiss is a bewitching YA fantasy filled with Slavic folklore, descriptive writing, loveable characters, and a swoony slowburn romance.

This is the perfect cozy fantasy for anyone who wants to be swept away into a fairytale world. Alicia Jasinska's writing includes enough description to bring you into the world without taking away from the story.

The characters are well-developed and so easy to fall in love with. Reading about their backstories and unique personalities made me love the book ever more. The characters are so enjoyable to read about, which adds so much to the story.

The plot is wildly fun. You get to follow a main character who needs to be kissed by a mortal to become human again. This plot is not only incredibly intriguing, but it also makes for the perfect love story.

I think the love story you get to follow in this book will always be one of my favorites. The characters are perfect for each other. You can feel the chemistry from the first moment they meet and every page beyond that. The way the relationship develops over the book is just perfect. There's no romance better than a well-written slow-burn enemies to lovers plot.

The humor in this book was also pleasantly surprising. The banter between the characters is just so much fun that you can't hold back your laughter.

While there is humor, the book also delves into a few more serious topics. These are all handled so well, and they make the story so much more impactful. The blend of the serious topics, humor, and everything in between is done perfectly to make this is great book.

Alicia Jansinka's This Fatal Kiss is the perfect YA cozy fantasy.

Thank you Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. "This Fatal Kiss" by Alicia Jasinska is a delightful and atmospheric YA fantasy romance. It's an absolutely beautiful read filled with whimsical magic and rich Slavic folklore.I need admit I wanted read this book just for the cover, I know I know such a cliche. But I wasn't disappointed about, I enjoyed the moody ambiance and way the characters well so well develop and honestly is a easy and engaging read i finish on one day. Can't wait to read more of the author.

I already fell in love with this book when I saw the cover so I was extremly happy when I found out that the story is even better!
I loved this book so much. The writing style grabbed me from the first second and I got through the book so quick!
The slavic folklore is very interesting to me and I love that we finally get more about it (the only thing I stumbled over wasthe name Gisela because a lot of grandmas are named like this in my region haha).
The romance in this book was very well done, especially since it was a love triangle and they aren't easy to write!

What a cute little story. I really enjoyed reading this and I loved all the Slavic folklore embedded in the story. That made it sort of unique (at least for me).

I usually steer away from all types of romance stories, but it didn’t bother me in this book as there were many other things with the story I could focus on instead. There’s three main characters, and my favourite was Ursula. Such a fun character with a voice that spoke to me through the pages.

It’s a quite contained story with few characters but the world felt very large and interesting. It having fewer characters made it easy to read, and as a reader I felt like I had a grasp of each character which is nice for a fantasy story.

IT’S FINALLY OVER. MY READING SLUMP IS OVER!!!!
This book was a breath of fresh air for me; I tore through it in one sitting. The characters, especially the banter between Kazik and Gisela, were a pure joy to read. I really enjoyed the writing as well it was easy to read and engaging. It was just perfect ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨
And can we just take a minute to talk about the cover? I saw it on Instagram and immediately ran, not walked, to Amazon, only to find out that the release date was months away. But thank the book gods, I got early access to this one 💃💃.
The story is a blend of Slavic folklore and modern elements, and it was spot on. It sucked me right into their world. What really impressed me was the diversity among the characters. The queer representation and exploration of different gender identities felt so authentic and refreshing. And that love triangle? It was surprisingly well done, even though it's not usually my thing.
Overall, Alicia Jasinka did an amazing job of keeping me hooked from start to finish. Even though the book wraps up nicely, the ending definitely left me wanting more.
Oh and I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical *grabby hands*.
Thanks again to NetGalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for letting me dive into this gem!

Thank you Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"This Fatal Kiss" by Alicia Jasinska is a delightful and atmospheric YA fantasy romance that is an absolutely beautiful read filled with whimsical magic and rich Slavic folklore. The atmosphere established in this book was extremely engaging as well as the depictions of different supernatural creatures stemming from Slavic folklore. I really like how the different creatures were represented and how they were fleshed out throughout the book. Also, the book is so much fun with the characters (especially Gisela) and the humor. Plus, this book provided polygamous representation as the three different main characters figured out their feelings for one another, especially in the 2nd half of the book. Before going into this book, I do want to note that it is not a standalone; it’s clearly setting up for a sequel at the end of the book, which I did not realize until I finished and was desperate for more.

The book follows a trio of characters (Gisela, the water nymph; Kazik, the exorcist; and Aleksey, a boy with secrets), each with their own distinct voice and personality. Through multiple points of view, you are drawn into a tale of supernatural creatures and magic. The writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to become invested in the characters and their journey.

One of the standout features of the book is its representation of queer characters and poly romance. The slow-burn romance is beautifully developed, with chemistry that leaps off the page. I especially enjoyed the scenes between Gisela and Kazik as the two of them had so much chemistry even as they tried to deny the feelings developing between them. The banter between characters is another highlight, adding depth and humor to the story. The two represented the troupe of sunshine girl and grumpy guy, and I absolutely loved it. Aleksey was an interesting addition to the pairing, though there wasn’t as much as his perspective that was provided as I would have liked, though maybe the author plans on incorporating more of Aleksey in the sequel. Jasinska also handles themes of biphobia with sensitivity, shining a light on the importance of bi representation in literature.

I really enjoyed the world-building, and the attention to detail are commendable. The book is a cozy and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of fantasy romance looking for something fresh and engaging. I loved learning more about the different folklore creatures, though there were some that I wanted more of (such as a certain cat from the 2nd half of the book). There were aspects of the found family troupe from different folkloric creatures (especially the water nymphs) that I found to be particularly heartwarming.

I will say that I felt the ending was a bit rushed, especially the final fight scene against a certain villain. I thought the ending needed more development. Because I didn’t realize at first that this book isn’t a standalone, I finished the book and I was like “that’s it?” I needed more of a satisfying conclusion, of the tying of loose ends, though I do acknowledge that Jasinska may have had this specific ending because of the sequel being set up. The ending did leave me desperate for more.

Overall, "This Fatal Kiss" is a charming and heartwarming novel with its unique mythology, diverse cast of characters, and enchanting romance. I can’t wait to read more from Jasinska and to dive into this world once more.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Wow, what a whimsical, folklore-ish adventure! I have a bad habit of saying all books I like are a delight, but this truly was a lot of fun to read, and I am so grateful to Alicia Jasinska and NetGalley for the ARC of this title!

There were so many great inclusions in this book that really brought the whole story together, like having a picnic blanket, a fresh drink, and a cool breeze on one of those really lush, crisp lazy afternoons you get if you're lucky a few times a year. The folklore was explained well and was woven into the town in a way that felt very natural. I also appreciated the foreword and pronunciation guide - this really helped me settle into the world a lot more instead of getting a headache from simultaneously struggling to pronounce things in my head while also letting my brain move over the letters.

I think this book also did the good job of building a world which works and feels a lot like our own with clearly supernatural elements. In this aspect I think the author also did a fantastic job of including enough information about how the world was different and wide beyond the setting of a book in a way that didn't make it feel like 1) there was the whisper of lore for the sake of moving the plot, whether it worked with the plot or not, and 2) I was missing out on not knowing more. I felt like I had enough of a glimpse, in a there-can-be-more-to-this-world-in-future-works-but-you'll-be-fine-for-now, to be interested but not necessarily take away from the story. I am already frothing at the mouth for a sequel (or three), but I could also be okay with the massive cliffhanger the book left on in the sense that it feels almost like more folklore within itself.

As someone who does not regularly read specific/promoted LGBTQIA+ works, I was also delighted with the relationship between the characters. I think that the ways in which the characters approached themselves and each other was really approachable for all readers and really focused on consent, mutual respect, mutual happiness, and being non-judgmental/accepting. I feel like this book would be a great toe-in-the-water (absolutely pun intended) for anyone nervous or curious about reading more LGBTQIA+ novels.

I adore the universe Alicia Jasinka has created in this novel and I really hope there will be more to speak of with these characters in the future! I can't wait to read this again when it's published! If you enjoyed books like "The Bear and the Nightingale" and "Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries", I feel like you would love this one too!

The cover and the blurb of this book convinced me to read this one really fast.
I have to say with the way Gisela ending up the way that she was I was expecting this book to be a lot darker than it was. But it was such a sweet and funny story! I love the writing, the worldbuilding and that all of them had a found family in a way. Alicia Jasinka pulls you into the story and does not let you go until the end. That ending though, I thought this was a standalone! I need more!
This was my first book by Alicia Jasinka but it will not be the last!

This was an amazing novel. I loved it. It has been a while since a book has encaptivated my every waking moment, making it difficult for me to sleep because I needed to know what would happen next. Absolutely brilliant. The book isn't even out yet and I desperately want a sequel.

I was honestly very wary going into this book because I have been burned before by books with beautiful covers and such interesting summaries, but I absolutely adored this one. It delivered on everything it promised and more. I loved all the characters and their dynamics with one another. It was so interesting to see have each character approached their sexuality and how it influenced how they went about their lives. There were also a few moments in which some characters were exploring their gender identity, and I would love to see that expanded upon more in future books (because with that ending there needs to be a sequel).
The relationship between the three main characters was so sweet and so much fun. I especially loved Kazik and Gisela's tension and journey from "enemies" to lovers. Even though there was some immediate attraction between the main characters, I really love how this was a true slow-burn romance and they all really had to work to get past the hurdles in their relationships. The friendship that developed between them was so sweet and set the foundation for a believable romantic relationship.
The setting of this book and the magical qualities created a very fun and whimsical atmosphere. I think Slavic folklore is so interesting and Jasinska did a great job of making it all so digestible and easy to understand. The different creatures, their role in the world, and their different magical abilities really helped me to become immersed in the story. Like I mentioned before there needs to be a sequel to this book, and I would love to see more of this world that Jasinska has created, specifically Gisela's home.
It did take a little while for me to fully understand the time period this was supposed to take place in, and there were a few moments of very modern sayings that really stuck out, but besides that I don't really have any criticisms for this book. This is a new favorite and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy in September.

MY FIRST ARC!!
absolutely loved this book. the writing is fantastic and i felt like i was actually there when reading it. was very pleasantly surprised by the love triangle and how much queer themes there was, but it wasn't the whole theme of the book. the love story progressed in a very nice way while also keeping up the humor and the angst.
i felt sad nearing the end, but could tell there was so much more to be written. i'm very excited to see where it goes in the future. i finished this book very quickly as i was sucked in immediately, from start to end it was full of detail, humor, and love.
would recommend to anyone whether you're new to fantasy or just getting into it.
4.5/5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy and unexpectedly funny book. It’s filled with great characters and LGBTQ representation interwoven with Slavic folklore. I was never bored and couldn’t put it down. I’m not usually one for love triangles, but ended up enjoying the outcome. Gisela and Kazik are wonderful characters and I can’t wait to see their journey continue with Aleksey.
Thank you Net Galley and Peachtree Teen for this ARC.

Posted on Goodreads on 5/25/24.

A YA romantacy with a modern edge, over a moody and whimsical backdrop.

Gisela is a water nymph with a hole in her memory and all she wants to do is get back to her family. Kazik the anti-social exorcist takes after his grandparents magic in sending spirits terrorizing the sleepy village to the otherside. When Kazik finally catches the bothersome Gisela, instead of sending her into the next life, she strikes him a deal: help her receive a kiss from a human and she will no longer be a nymph. No longer a monster, Kazik will be free to move onto other monsters and she will finally be free.

It has been awhile since I have enjoyed not only a romantacy but a YA novel! Exploring themes of gender fluidity, queerness, and polyamory, I quite enjoyed this first installment. I was never left wanting the book to pick up and it had many laughable moments (e.g. the use of the word "sky daddy" in a historic romantacy for one). It was a fun ride akin to Lex Croucher and I can't wait to revisit this world again. 4/5 stars.

Alicia Jasinska's "This Fatal Kiss" is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves Slavic folklore with sensitive and diverse queer representation. The well-paced story features spooky creatures that enrich the plot and a world where river spirits and forest beings hint at a deeper mythology. Jasinska's characters are multi-dimensional, with their sexualities and genders thoughtfully portrayed. Though the writing style and dialogue may feel a bit shallow to some, the book sets the stage for an exciting series. Overall, it is an enchanting start that leaves readers eager for more.