The kiss curse report is a fascinating study that delves into the various aspects of kissing and its potential consequences. This report aims to explore the notion of a "kiss curse" and examine whether there is any scientific evidence to support this intriguing myth. Kissing has long been associated with romance, passion, and intimacy. It is a physical expression of love and desire that transcends cultures and societies. However, there have been tales and superstitions claiming that a kiss can bring about unexpected consequences, such as bad luck or misfortune. The report begins by discussing the origins of the kiss curse myth, tracing its roots back to ancient folklore and legends.
Gwyn’s character is the one saving grace of the book. There’s been a lot of Discourse in some reviews because she was portrayed as queer in book one. Well, she’s still queer here, even if she ends up with a guy, and I feel like you can be sad about the ignorance of f/f relationships on a larger scale within trad publishing (something that is actually changing) without taking it out on queer m/f pairings, which are also heavily stigmatized and misunderstood.
I don t expect a ton of plot from romcom books, but given there is some sort of paranormal presence, I wish that part had been developed a little more. I would definitely recommend you read The Ex Hex before picking up a copy of The Kiss Curse as many conflicts and relationships between the Jones and Penhallow witches from The Ex Hex carry over into The Kiss Curse.
The report begins by discussing the origins of the kiss curse myth, tracing its roots back to ancient folklore and legends. It explores different cultural beliefs surrounding the kiss curse, revealing a myriad of interpretations and cautionary tales. From ancient Greece to medieval Europe, the idea of a kiss curse has persisted throughout history.
“The Kiss Curse” (The Ex Hex #2) by Erin Sterling (ARC Review)
The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.
Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.
When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
In the series
Review
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
While book one was fun, I feel like The Kiss Curse failed to recapture the same magic for me. My standards already weren’t super-high, but even with that in mind, this one felt very bland.
Gwyn’s character is the one saving grace of the book. There’s been a lot of Discourse in some reviews because she was portrayed as queer in book one. Well, she’s still queer here, even if she ends up with a guy, and I feel like you can be sad about the ignorance of f/f relationships on a larger scale within trad publishing (something that is actually changing) without taking it out on queer m/f pairings, which are also heavily stigmatized and misunderstood.
I also really liked seeing Gwyn in her magical element, training some young witches. While the magic stuff is still very much “developed as the story goes along,” it’s quirky and fun, and I love seeing the characters interact with it.
But Wells…did we really need another Penhallow brother as a hero who happens to have animosity with the heroine? As much as I will defend the right for Gwyn to be with a man in theory, I just didn’t care for him. I also felt their romance wasn’t anything special…no real sparks at any point. I was mostly neutral-to-“they’re kinda cute” where Vivi and Rhys are concerned, and Wells and Gwyn can’t even measure up to that.
And it’s such an oddly paced book. I don’t expect a ton of plot from “romcom” books, but given there is some sort of paranormal presence, I wish that part had been developed a little more. The “Big Bad” shows up really late into the book, only to be defeated very quickly and anticlimactically.
This book was ok, but it just didn’t work for me for the most part. I do feel that if you’re more of a fan of the paranormal romcom style, you might like it more than I did.
Author Bio
Erin Sterling also writes as Rachel Hawkins, the New York Times bestselling author of multiple books for young readers. Her work has been sold in more than a dozen countries. She studied gender and sexuality in Victorian literature at Auburn University and currently lives in Alabama.
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Furthermore, the report delves into the psychological and physiological aspects of kissing. It investigates the science behind the emotions and sensations that kissing evokes, shedding light on the release of oxytocin and dopamine during the act of kissing. These hormones are closely linked to feelings of attachment and pleasure, suggesting that kissing can have positive effects on one's overall well-being. Additionally, the report addresses potential negative consequences attributed to the kiss curse. It examines anecdotal evidence and personal experiences that support the belief in a kiss curse, including stories of relationships gone sour or unexpected misfortunes following a kiss. However, the report also emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence to substantiate these claims, urging readers to approach the topic with skepticism. Overall, the kiss curse report offers a comprehensive exploration of this intriguing myth. While it acknowledges the cultural significance and personal anecdotes associated with the kiss curse, it also encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry. By examining the psychological and physiological aspects of kissing, the report attempts to separate fact from fiction and provide a nuanced understanding of this age-old belief..
Reviews for "Famous Curse-Breaking Kisses: Legends and True Stories"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars - I found "The Kiss Curse Report" to be incredibly underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked any depth. The characters were one-dimensional and uninspiring, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the writing style felt rushed and amateurish, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - "The Kiss Curse Report" had an intriguing concept, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was uneven, with slow parts dragging on and important events feeling rushed. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to believe in the characters' emotions and motivations. Furthermore, the author relied too heavily on clichés and predictable plot twists, which made the story unengaging. Overall, while the idea had potential, the book ultimately failed to deliver.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "The Kiss Curse Report" based on the positive reviews I had seen, but I was left disappointed. The story lacked originality, borrowing heavily from other popular romance novels without adding anything unique. The characters felt like carbon copies of stereotypes, with the protagonist being particularly irritating and lacking depth. The writing style was excessively flowery and overwritten, making it hard to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a forgettable read that didn't offer anything new or memorable.
4. Alex - 3/5 stars - "The Kiss Curse Report" had its moments, but overall, it didn't live up to the hype for me. While the concept was intriguing, the execution felt rushed and incomplete. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging and others feeling rushed. The character development was lacking, leaving me uninvested in their fates. Although there were some enjoyable moments and witty dialogue, it wasn't enough to salvage the overall mediocrity of the book. I wouldn't necessarily discourage others from reading it, but be prepared for a disappointing read.