Laura Wood’s Under Your Spell enchants readers with a deliciously modern take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, wrapped in the glittering world of rock stardom and seasoned with just enough family dysfunction to feel authentically relatable. This first installment in the Theo & Cynthie series delivers everything contemporary romance readers crave: blistering chemistry, laugh-out-loud humor, and characters so vividly drawn they practically leap off the page.
The Heart of the Story
Clementine Monroe’s life unravels spectacularly in the opening chapters—dumped, fired, and facing eviction all in one devastating blow. Wood masterfully uses this rock-bottom moment to propel her heroine into a situation she’d normally run screaming from: six weeks alone with superstar musician Theo Eliott. The irony isn’t lost on readers that Clemmie, daughter of aging rock legend Ripp Harris, has sworn off musicians entirely after being burned by her father’s lifestyle and her ex-boyfriend Sam Turner’s betrayal.
The premise crackles with tension from the first page. Clemmie’s accidental one-night stand with “Edward”—who turns out to be the very rock star she’s meant to babysit—creates a delicious web of complications that Wood navigates with expert precision. The author’s decision to have Clemmie genuinely ignorant of Theo’s identity initially feels almost implausible in our social media age, but Wood sells it through Clemmie’s deliberate cultural isolation and preference for audiobooks over contemporary music.
Character Development That Resonates
Clementine Monroe: A Heroine Worth Rooting For
Clemmie emerges as a refreshingly complex protagonist who avoids many romance novel pitfalls. Her reluctance to embrace her own ambitions—particularly her secret desire to write children’s books—feels genuine rather than contrived. Wood skillfully reveals how Clemmie’s past relationships have eroded her confidence, making her journey toward self-acceptance as compelling as her romantic arc.
The character’s relationship with her famous father adds layers of psychological complexity rarely seen in lighter romance novels. Clemmie’s daddy issues aren’t simply backstory—they actively shape her choices and create authentic obstacles to her happiness. Her determination to forge her own path, even when it means struggling financially, demonstrates admirable integrity.
Theo Eliott: More Than a Pretty Face
Theo could have easily fallen into the predictable “tortured rock star” archetype, but Wood subverts expectations at every turn. His genuine interest in literature—particularly his endearing obsession with Chaucer—reveals depth beneath the celebrity surface. The author cleverly uses his fame as both shield and burden, showing how public perception rarely matches private reality.
His patience with Clemmie’s walls and his willingness to be vulnerable feel earned rather than manipulative. Theo’s past heartbreak and his genuine desire for connection make him sympathetic without requiring redemption from serious character flaws.
The Supporting Cast: A Family Worth Knowing
The Monroe family dynamics steal numerous scenes throughout the novel. Sisters Serena and Lil bring distinct personalities that never feel like mere plot devices. Serena’s ice-queen facade hiding deep loyalty, and Lil’s sunny disposition masking surprising depths, create a believable sibling dynamic that enhances rather than overshadows the central romance.
The “Weird Sisters” concept—their childhood game of casting spells inspired by public perception of their unconventional family—adds whimsical charm while addressing serious themes about female agency and family loyalty. The breakup spell that kicks off Clemmie’s adventure feels organic to the story rather than gimmicky.
Setting as Character
Wood’s decision to isolate her characters in Northumberland proves inspired. Granny Mac’s cottage becomes more than mere backdrop—it’s a healing space where both characters can shed their public personas. The author’s descriptions of coastal walks, impromptu cooking sessions, and quiet evenings by the fire create an intimate atmosphere that allows the relationship to develop naturally.
The contrast between this peaceful setting and the chaotic world of celebrity culture heightens the stakes. Readers feel the approaching end of their idyllic isolation as keenly as the characters do.
Romance Done Right
The romantic development between Clemmie and Theo unfolds with satisfying restraint. Wood avoids the instalove trap, instead building attraction through shared domestic moments, intellectual conversations, and gradual emotional revelation. Their connection feels earned through compatibility rather than mere physical chemistry.
The sexual tension simmers throughout without overwhelming the emotional development. When physical intimacy does occur, it serves the emotional arc rather than existing for its own sake. The author handles intimate scenes with appropriate heat while maintaining the story’s overall tone.
Themes That Matter
Beyond its romantic surface, Under Your Spell explores meaningful themes about family, ambition, and self-worth. Clemmie’s journey toward embracing her creative ambitions mirrors many readers’ struggles with impostor syndrome and fear of failure. The novel’s treatment of family dysfunction—particularly how children of celebrities navigate their own identities—feels nuanced and compassionate.
The book also addresses class differences and privilege with surprising thoughtfulness. Theo’s wealth and fame create practical complications beyond simple wish fulfillment, and Clemmie’s financial struggles feel authentic rather than easily resolved.
Where the Magic Falters
Despite its many strengths, Under Your Spell isn’t without minor weaknesses. Some coincidences strain credibility—particularly the convenient arrival of various family members at crucial moments. The resolution of Clemmie’s career concerns happens perhaps too neatly, though her emotional growth feels genuine.
Certain secondary characters, particularly Sam Turner and Leonard, feel somewhat one-dimensional in their antagonistic roles. While they serve their plot functions adequately, more complexity would have strengthened the overall narrative.
The pacing occasionally suffers during the middle section, where domestic routine, while charming, sometimes slows momentum. However, Wood’s engaging prose and character development maintain reader interest even during quieter moments.
Writing Style and Voice
Wood demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing humor with genuine emotion. Her dialogue sparkles with wit while revealing character depth. The author’s voice feels contemporary and authentic, particularly in capturing family dynamics and sibling relationships.
The prose strikes an ideal balance between literary quality and accessibility. Wood never sacrifices clarity for style, making complex emotional territory easily navigable for readers.
Looking Ahead: The Series Potential
As the first book in the Theo & Cynthie series, Under Your Spell successfully establishes a world readers will want to revisit. The introduction of Cynthie in the latter portions promises intriguing developments for the second book, Let’s Make a Scene. The series format allows for deeper exploration of this musical world while maintaining focus on individual romantic arcs.
Similar Reads for Romance Enthusiasts
Readers who enjoy Under Your Spell should consider:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – For similar wit and emotional depth
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – For music industry backdrop and family secrets
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – For enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London – For media scrutiny and self-acceptance themes
- The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – For gradual relationship development and humor
Final Verdict
Under Your Spell succeeds brilliantly as both standalone romance and series opener. Laura Wood has crafted a story that honors genre conventions while bringing fresh perspective to familiar tropes. The combination of genuine emotion, sparkling humor, and authentic character development creates a reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
This novel proves that contemporary romance can tackle serious themes without sacrificing entertainment value. Wood’s treatment of family dynamics, celebrity culture, and personal growth elevates the material beyond simple escapism while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers seek.
Under Your Spell casts its own enchantment—one that lingers long after the final page and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. For anyone seeking romance with substance, humor with heart, and characters worth caring about, this book delivers magical results.