This Spells Love

Robb’s enchanting debut offers an endearing heroine a second chance at picking a path in life. Practical Gemma Wilde has always craved stability, as evidenced by her well-paying but much-hated job and her safe boyfriend. Then said boyfriend breaks up with her. When her eccentric but lovable Aunt Livi suggests that she, Gemma, and Gemma’s hunky but strictly platonic best friend, Dax McGuire, do a “love cleanse” spell to wipe all memory of the relationship from Gemma’s mind, she agrees without much faith that it will work. The next morning, however, it’s like the relationship never happened—but that’s not the only thing that’s different. She’s living in a basement apartment, doesn’t have her job, and—worst of all—Dax and she aren’t friends. What at first seems like a tragedy leads to surprising opportunities: Gemma takes a risk on her dream career and, when she meets Dax this time, their connection is decidedly flirtatious. Could her best friend be her true love? The spell gives Gemma the chance to reevaluate her life and the effect she has on others, and she learns that bad decisions and past failures often prepare one for something better. It’s a valuable lesson, enhanced by indomitable Gemma and swoonworthy Dax’s undeniable connection. These two are made for each other. Agent: Bibi Lewis, Ethan Ellenberg Literary. (Dec.)