Cursed Hearts and First Dates

Cerys Concordia, a cupid cursed to never know romantic love, endures a string of disastrous first dates in the magical city of Nepos. Her curse, cast by a jealous witch, ensures that any attempt at intimacy triggers chaos—fires, injuries, and public embarrassment. Despite her efforts to break the curse through desensitization (hundreds of awkward dates), Cerys's only solace is her work at Yearning Hearts, a dating agency she co-owns with her best friend, Soleil. The curse isolates her emotionally, but Cerys's wit and resilience keep her afloat, even as she secretly yearns for real connection and healing.

Funeral Fires and Detective Eyes

When a date with a forest nymph ends at his uncle's funeral, Cerys's curse accidentally sets the coffin ablaze, causing public chaos. The incident draws the attention of Detective Devereaux Vincori, a stoic berserker with a keen eye for patterns—and for Cerys herself. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Cerys's curse makes any closeness dangerous. Devereaux's investigation into a string of magical crimes, including attacks on Cerys and her agency, brings them together repeatedly, forcing Cerys to confront her feelings and the growing threat to her safety.

Yearning Hearts, Hidden Magic

At Yearning Hearts, Cerys and Soleil work tirelessly to match magical descendants with their soulmates, using Cerys's unique cupid magic. The agency's success draws envy and suspicion from rival businesses and the powerful Twelve Families of Nepos. Cerys's magic is both a blessing and a liability—her power is growing, but exposure could mean ruin. As they plan a major Valentine's Day event, Cerys's curse and the agency's rising profile attract unwanted attention, including break-ins and magical sabotage, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Betrayal at Dinner

Cerys's colleague Austin, a blue phoenix, invites her to dinner under the guise of friendship. The evening turns sour when Austin confesses he was sent by his powerful betrothed's family to spy on Cerys and her magic, leading to the break-in at Yearning Hearts and a violent attack on Cerys. Austin's betrayal devastates Cerys, shattering her trust and highlighting the dangers of her growing reputation. The revelation that the Twelve Families are behind the attacks raises the stakes, forcing Cerys to question whom she can trust.

Witch's Judgment

Desperate for relief, Cerys meets Vera Calzane, the witch who cursed her. Vera is cold and unrepentant, more interested in using Cerys as a case study for her magical recertification than in undoing the curse. Vera reveals that the only way to break the curse is through emotional pain and desensitization, or by generating a powerful opposite emotion—true love. The meeting is both humiliating and enlightening, as Cerys learns the curse is deeply rooted and will take years to unravel. Vera's lack of empathy leaves Cerys feeling hopeless but determined.

Business, Friendship, and Feathers

Cerys and Soleil strategize to protect Yearning Hearts and their own futures. They expand the agency, hire new cupids, and support each other through mounting stress. Soleil's quest to recover her stolen siren feathers leads to encounters with shady magical types, including a drunk unicorn who becomes her unlikely true love match. The friends' bond is tested by external threats and internal doubts, but their loyalty remains unshaken. As the Twelve Families' machinations intensify, Cerys and Soleil realize they must fight for their place in Nepos.

Confessions and Consequences

Detective Devereaux confronts Cerys about her curse, piecing together the pattern of magical disasters. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable, and Devereaux offers to help Cerys break the curse by dating her—despite the risks. Cerys is torn between hope and fear, but the promise of real intimacy is too tempting to ignore. Their partnership becomes both romantic and strategic, as they work together to investigate the attacks, protect Yearning Hearts, and outmaneuver the Twelve. The emotional stakes rise as Cerys allows herself to hope for love again.

Siren Feathers and Unicorns

Soleil's relentless pursuit of her lost siren feathers leads her to Bain, a reclusive unicorn with a tragic past. Their initial encounters are combative, but Venus's magic draws them together, revealing a true love match. Soleil's journey mirrors Cerys's—both must confront their fears, accept vulnerability, and fight for happiness. The recovery of the feathers becomes symbolic of reclaiming agency and identity. Meanwhile, the friends' efforts to expose corruption among the Twelve gain momentum, as they gather allies and evidence.

Date Night Disasters

Cerys and Devereaux's first real date is a mix of longing and peril. Their attempts at intimacy are repeatedly sabotaged by the curse, resulting in physical chaos and near-fatal accidents. Despite the setbacks, their connection deepens, and they begin to strategize ways to test and loosen the curse's hold. The date is interrupted by another attack—this time, a magical ambush orchestrated by the Twelve. Cerys is injured, and Devereaux's berserker side emerges to protect her, cementing their bond and mutual resolve.

Attacks in the Dark

The Twelve Families escalate their campaign against Cerys, employing magical assassins, siren mind control, and bureaucratic harassment. Cerys is poisoned, interrogated by corrupt agents, and nearly killed multiple times. Each attack is more sophisticated and personal, targeting her friends, business, and sense of safety. The relentless siege forces Cerys, Soleil, and Devereaux to form a revolutionary alliance with other outcasts, including Fenton, the disgraced vampire rival. The stakes become existential—survival means taking the fight to the Twelve.

Bow of Revelation

After a particularly harrowing attack, Cerys discovers a glowing white bow in her bed—the legendary weapon of a heart elemental, a magical lineage thought extinct. The bow's appearance reveals that Cerys is not just a cupid, but the last heart elemental, making her the ultimate target for the Twelve. The bow amplifies her magic and sense of purpose, but also her vulnerability. The revelation galvanizes her friends and terrifies her enemies, setting the stage for a final confrontation.

The Twelve Close In

The Twelve Families, now certain of Cerys's true identity, intensify their efforts to capture or destroy her. They manipulate the magical bureaucracy, frame Devereaux for abuse of power, and unleash a "Generation Siege" of attacks through Soleil's own family. Cerys and her allies are forced into hiding, relying on secret networks and magical protections. The pressure exposes cracks in their relationships, but also forges unbreakable bonds. Cerys must decide whether to run, fight, or negotiate with her enemies.

Phoenix Flames and Family Ties

Cerys and Devereaux infiltrate the Cineres estate, confronting the phoenix matriarchs and uncovering the fate of missing cupids. The encounter is a battle of wits and wills, with magical traps and emotional manipulation at every turn. Cerys's growing power and Devereaux's relentless determination give them an edge, but the cost is high. The confrontation exposes the depth of corruption among the Twelve and the personal stakes for every character—family, love, and legacy are all on the line.

Prisoners and Promises

Austin is rescued from magical imprisonment, but the trauma and curses he's endured leave lasting scars. Fenton, the vampire rival, emerges from hiding with evidence that could topple the Twelve, but demands an alliance in exchange. Cerys and Soleil debate the risks and ethics of joining forces with former enemies. Meanwhile, Devereaux's investigation into his father's death uncovers shocking truths about the Twelve's history and their methods of maintaining power. The revolution gains momentum, but the danger grows ever closer.

True Love's Turmoil

Soleil and Bain's relationship evolves from antagonism to reluctant partnership, as they work together to recover the stolen siren feathers and expose the Twelve's crimes. Their love story is messy, passionate, and transformative, mirroring the larger struggle for freedom and justice. Cerys, inspired by their courage, recommits to her own fight for love and agency. The friends' victories are hard-won, and every step forward is met with new obstacles and betrayals.

The Siege of Nepos

The Twelve launch a coordinated assault on Cerys, Soleil, and Yearning Hearts, using every tool at their disposal—magical, legal, and social. The friends are besieged on all fronts, forced to defend their business, reputations, and very lives. The attacks culminate in a public showdown, with the fate of Nepos's magical community hanging in the balance. Cerys's bow and newfound power become the key to survival, but using them means embracing her destiny and risking everything she loves.

Allies and Enemies

Cerys, Soleil, Devereaux, Fenton, and Bain form an unlikely coalition, pooling their resources and knowledge to challenge the Twelve. They gather evidence, rally public support, and orchestrate daring rescues. The revolution is messy and dangerous, but hope begins to flicker as the Twelve's grip weakens. Personal sacrifices are made, and old wounds are healed as the friends learn to trust each other and themselves. The battle for Nepos becomes a battle for the soul of the magical world.

Valentine's Day Unraveled

The Valentine's Day event at Yearning Hearts is both a triumph and a turning point. Cerys and Devereaux's relationship deepens, but the curse's hold remains strong. Soleil and Bain's romance blossoms amid chaos. The friends celebrate their victories, mourn their losses, and prepare for the final confrontation. The event is a microcosm of their journey—messy, magical, and full of unexpected twists. As the night ends, Cerys receives devastating news: the rights to her curse have been sold to the Twelve, and her future is more uncertain than ever.

Love in the Dark

At a "Love in the Dark" event, Cerys is confronted by an agent of the Twelve, who offers her a devil's bargain: help them in exchange for breaking her curse and saving her friends. The offer is both a threat and a lifeline, forcing Cerys to weigh her own happiness against the safety of those she loves. The darkness of the event mirrors the uncertainty of her future, but Cerys's courage and compassion shine through. She agrees to negotiate, setting the stage for the revolution's final act.

The Price of Magic

Cerys grapples with the cost of her magic, her curse, and her choices. The Twelve's offer is both tempting and terrifying, and Cerys must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for love, freedom, and justice. Her friends rally around her, each facing their own trials and transformations. The revolution reaches a tipping point, and the fate of Nepos hangs in the balance. Cerys's journey comes full circle, as she learns that true power lies not in magic, but in the courage to love and fight for what is right.

The Offer

The Twelve's representative lays out the terms: Cerys's curse can be broken, her friends saved, and her enemies defeated—if she agrees to work for them. The offer is a trap, but also an opportunity. Cerys, desperate to protect those she loves, agrees to negotiate, knowing that the revolution's success may depend on her willingness to risk everything. The chapter ends with Cerys stepping into the unknown, her fate—and the fate of Nepos—hanging in the balance.

The Revolution Begins

Cerys's decision to negotiate with the Twelve marks the beginning of a new revolution. The friends' alliance is tested, but their resolve is unbreakable. The battle for Nepos is far from over, but hope has been rekindled. Cerys, now fully embracing her identity as a heart elemental, stands ready to lead the fight for love, justice, and freedom. The story ends on a note of defiance and possibility, as Cerys and her allies prepare to topple the Twelve and reclaim their destinies.

Characters

Cerys Concordia

Cerys is the heart and soul of the story—a cupid cursed to never know romantic love, yet determined to help others find it. Her curse isolates her, but also fuels her empathy and drive. Cerys is witty, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to her friends, especially Soleil. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace vulnerability, confront betrayal, and fight for her own happiness. The revelation that she is a heart elemental transforms her from a victim to a revolutionary, willing to risk everything for love and justice.

Soleil Hucs

Soleil is Cerys's co-founder at Yearning Hearts and her unwavering ally. A siren with a complicated family legacy, Soleil is ambitious, cunning, and protective. Her quest to recover her stolen feathers mirrors her struggle for autonomy and identity. Soleil's romance with Bain, the unicorn, is both a source of comic relief and emotional depth. She is the pragmatic counterbalance to Cerys's idealism, and her willingness to fight the Twelve—despite personal risk—cements her as a revolutionary in her own right.

Devereaux Vincori

Devereaux is a berserker detective with a tragic past and a relentless sense of justice. His investigation into magical crimes and his father's mysterious death bring him into Cerys's orbit. Devereaux is stoic, analytical, and deeply compassionate beneath his gruff exterior. His relationship with Cerys is transformative for both, as he learns to trust, love, and accept help. Devereaux's struggle to balance his berserker instincts with his humanity adds psychological complexity, and his willingness to risk everything for Cerys marks his growth from loner to partner.

Vera Calzane

Vera is the witch who curses Cerys, setting the story in motion. She is emotionally stunted, obsessed with magical theory, and initially unrepentant. Vera's interactions with Cerys are marked by manipulation and self-interest, but glimpses of shame and vulnerability emerge as the story progresses. Her eventual willingness to help Cerys—albeit for selfish reasons—adds nuance to her character. Vera embodies the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of emotional growth.

Austin Lanaray

Austin is a blue phoenix caught between loyalty to his family and his friendship with Cerys. His betrayal is a turning point, exposing the reach of the Twelve and the dangers of divided loyalties. Austin's journey is one of guilt, redemption, and self-forgiveness. His magical binding and subsequent rescue highlight the personal costs of the revolution and the importance of agency.

Fenton Icktus

Fenton is Cerys's former rival, owner of the competing dating agency Pick Up. Initially vain and antagonistic, Fenton's downfall and subsequent alliance with Cerys and Soleil reveal hidden depths. He is pragmatic, cunning, and driven by a desire for revenge against the Twelve. Fenton's willingness to risk everything for justice makes him a valuable, if unpredictable, ally.

Bain

Bain is a reclusive unicorn with a tragic past and a penchant for alcohol. His initial antagonism toward Soleil masks deep vulnerability and a longing for connection. Bain's journey from outcast to true love match is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the transformative power of love and the importance of self-acceptance.

Mantle

Mantle is a brownie torn between loyalty to her magical community and her conscience. Her decision to help Devereaux and Cerys, despite the risks, is a testament to her courage and moral complexity. Mantle's knowledge of the Twelve's secrets makes her a key player in the revolution, and her struggle for agency mirrors the larger themes of the story.

The Twelve Families

The Twelve Families are the shadowy rulers of Nepos, wielding power through wealth, magic, and manipulation. Each family represents a different magical lineage and industry, from pharmaceuticals to banking. Their methods are ruthless, and their unity is both their strength and weakness. The Twelve embody systemic oppression, and their downfall becomes the central goal of the revolution.

Jaeke

Jaeke is a fellow cupid whose disappearance sparks the investigation into the Twelve's crimes. His fate is a constant source of anxiety and motivation for Cerys and her allies. Jaeke's story is a reminder of the vulnerability of magical outcasts and the importance of solidarity in the face of oppression.

Plot Devices

The Curse

Cerys's curse is the central plot device, shaping her relationships, choices, and emotional arc. It functions as both a literal and metaphorical obstacle, representing trauma, isolation, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The curse's mechanics—triggered by intimacy, loosened by pain or true love—drive the narrative structure, creating tension and opportunities for growth. The eventual revelation that the curse's rights can be bought and sold adds a layer of legal and ethical complexity, tying personal suffering to systemic corruption.

The Twelve Families

The Twelve serve as both background and active antagonists, their influence permeating every aspect of Nepos. Their coordinated attacks, manipulation of magical law enforcement, and use of magical contracts create a sense of inescapable danger. The Twelve's internal politics and shifting alliances provide foreshadowing and narrative twists, while their eventual exposure and downfall become the revolution's endgame.

Magical Bureaucracy and Law

The magical legal system—represented by the NBC, magical contracts, and curse copyright law—serves as both a shield and a weapon. Bureaucratic harassment, false charges, and legal loopholes are used to isolate and control Cerys and her friends. The interplay between personal agency and systemic power is a recurring theme, with legal victories and defeats marking key turning points.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The story uses foreshadowing through magical omens, recurring disasters, and the appearance of the bow. Symbolic elements—such as the myrtle plant, the bow, and the siren feathers—reinforce themes of love, identity, and resistance. The gradual revelation of Cerys's true power is foreshadowed by her growing magic and the increasing intensity of the attacks.

Ensemble Cast and Interwoven Arcs

The narrative structure weaves together the arcs of Cerys, Soleil, Devereaux, and their allies, creating a tapestry of interconnected struggles and triumphs. Each character's journey mirrors and amplifies the others, reinforcing the central themes of love, agency, and revolution. The ensemble cast allows for a rich exploration of magical society, prejudice, and the costs of resistance.

Analysis

Love & Magic Shaking is a vibrant, emotionally charged urban fantasy that uses the trappings of magical romance to explore deeper themes of trauma, agency, and systemic oppression. At its core, the novel is about the struggle to reclaim one's power in a world designed to keep outsiders isolated and afraid. Cerys's curse is both a literal and metaphorical barrier, representing the wounds of betrayal, the pain of exclusion, and the slow, difficult work of healing. The story's ensemble cast—each marked by their own scars and secrets—demonstrates the necessity of solidarity, vulnerability, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The Twelve Families, as embodiments of entrenched power, are both fantastical villains and incisive metaphors for real-world systems of control. The novel's humor, romance, and magical world-building are in service of a larger message: that love, in all its messy, painful, and transformative forms, is both a weapon and a shield against tyranny. The revolution that begins in the heart—through friendship, forgiveness, and the courage to be seen—becomes the revolution that topples empires. In the end, Love & Magic Shaking is a celebration of resilience, the power of chosen family, and the belief that even the most broken heart can become a force for change.

Last updated: September 26, 2025