Sugar or Tequila Decisions

Gemma Wilde, reeling from a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend Stuart, stands at a crossroads—literally and figuratively—between her favorite doughnut shop and the liquor store. Her older sister Kiersten, ever the protective and pragmatic sibling, guides her toward sugar over alcohol, but the real comfort comes from their ritual and the warmth of family. Despite her attempts to mask her pain, Gemma's vulnerability seeps through, especially when she receives a text from her best friend Dax, who cancels a date to spend time with her. The scene is set for a story about choices, comfort, and the subtle magic of everyday love and support, as Gemma's world teeters between the familiar and the unknown.

Heartbreak and Healing Spells

Seeking solace, Gemma, Kiersten, and Dax gather at their eccentric Aunt Livi's apartment, where margaritas flow and emotions run high. The night turns from a roast of Stuart into an impromptu intervention, with Kiersten and Dax gently challenging Gemma's patterns of seeking safety over passion. Aunt Livi, ever the mystical matriarch, introduces a mysterious spellbook, suggesting a "love cleanse" to help Gemma move on. The group's playful skepticism gives way to curiosity, and together they perform a quirky ritual involving candles, yarn, and a not-so-metaphorical cutting of ties. The spell, meant to erase Stuart's hold on Gemma's heart, is cast with laughter, tequila, and a hesitant almost-kiss with Dax—unleashing consequences none of them anticipate.

The Kiss That Changed Everything

After the spell, Gemma's night blurs into a haze of vulnerability and longing. Dax, ever the steadfast friend, tucks her in, offering comfort and a story about the night they met—a night that, in hindsight, was a crossroads for both. Their friendship teeters on the edge of something more, but both are afraid to risk what they have. In a moment of impulsive courage, Gemma insists they finish the spell with a kiss. The simple, tender kiss feels strangely significant, as if it unlocks a memory or a new reality. As Dax leaves, Gemma is left wondering if she'll regret crossing the line between friendship and something deeper.

Waking in a New World

Gemma awakens in a world that is both hers and not hers. The bed, the man beside her, the city outside—all are unfamiliar. Her keys, phone, and even her own identity seem altered. As she stumbles through her morning, she discovers that her old life—her condo, her job, her relationships—has been replaced by a new reality where she owns a beauty store, lives in a basement apartment, and, most jarringly, Dax doesn't know her. The spell has worked, but not as intended: Stuart is gone, but so is the life Gemma knew, replaced by a parallel existence where every choice has led to a different outcome.

Unfamiliar Faces, Familiar Places

Desperate for answers, Gemma seeks out Dax, only to find he has no memory of their friendship. Her sister and aunt are the same, but their memories of Gemma's life diverge from her own. With the help of Kiersten and Aunt Livi, Gemma retraces her steps, searching for the spellbook and a way to reverse the magic. She discovers that in this world, she took risks she never dared before—opening Wilde Beauty, living with less security but more passion. Yet, the cost is steep: her connection with Dax is severed, and the comfort of her old life is gone. The only way back is to recreate the spell, but the missing ingredient—a kiss from Dax—proves elusive.

Parallel Lives, Parallel Loves

Gemma throws herself into her new life, running Wilde Beauty and navigating the challenges of small business ownership. She tries to rebuild a connection with Dax, joining his curling league and attending parties, but their chemistry is complicated by the presence of Sunny, Dax's new close friend. As Gemma struggles with jealousy and the ache of lost intimacy, she realizes that her feelings for Dax transcend timelines. The more she tries to win him over, the more she is forced to confront her own fears about risk, love, and the possibility of losing everything for a chance at happiness.

Manifesting New Beginnings

Inspired by Aunt Livi's advice to "tell the universe what you want," Gemma begins to embrace the uncertainty of her new life. She takes small risks—changing her coffee order, starting a newsletter, reaching out to customers—and finds unexpected joy in the process. Her relationship with Dax slowly deepens as they share coffee, laughter, and moments of vulnerability. Gemma learns that happiness isn't about safety or predictability, but about embracing the unknown and trusting herself. As she prepares for a curling bonspiel with Dax's team, she feels hope for the first time that she can build a new life, even if it's not the one she planned.

The Dax Dilemma

Gemma's growing closeness with Dax is threatened by misunderstandings and missed opportunities. At a party, she witnesses Dax's easy rapport with Sunny and is forced to confront her own insecurities. A drunken near-kiss on a walk home leaves both reeling, unsure of where they stand. As Gemma's feelings intensify, she confides in Kiersten, who challenges her to admit what she truly wants. The tension between friendship and romance comes to a head, and Gemma must decide whether to risk everything for a chance at love, or retreat to the safety of the status quo.

Accidents, Arguments, and Affection

A series of mishaps—a fall, a hospital visit, a fire—underscore the fragility of Gemma's new reality. Dax's life, once full of promise, is unraveling: his store is struggling, his apartment is at risk, and his optimism is fading. Gemma is haunted by the realization that her wish to erase Stuart has had unintended consequences, not just for herself but for those she loves. As she watches Dax lose everything, she is forced to confront the true price of magic and the responsibility that comes with it. The only way to set things right may be to give up her own happiness.

Taking Risks, Making Choices

With the next waning gibbous moon approaching, Gemma must decide whether to stay in this new world or try to return home. She weighs the joy of her relationship with Dax against the knowledge that his dreams have been sacrificed for her wish. Kiersten's own struggles with ambition and self-worth mirror Gemma's dilemma, and together they realize that true happiness comes from taking risks and trusting themselves. Gemma resolves to reverse the spell, even if it means losing Dax as a lover, believing that love is about wanting the best for the other person—even if it breaks her heart.

The Spell's Price

On the night of the party, Gemma and Dax share one last, bittersweet evening together. She leads him to Aunt Livi's shop, where, surrounded by candles and memories, they recreate the spell. With a final, tearful kiss, Gemma wishes for Dax's happiness and the restoration of his dreams, even if it means erasing their romance. The magic takes hold, and Gemma is plunged into darkness, her heart full of love and loss. The price of the spell is clear: to set things right, she must let go of the life she built and trust that love will find its way, in this world or the next.

The Final Goodbye

Gemma wakes in her old world, but nothing is quite as she left it. She lives in her basement apartment, her car is back, and Wilde Beauty is only a dream. Dax's store is thriving, but their friendship is strained, marked by distance and unspoken feelings. As Gemma pieces together the events of the past month, she realizes that the magic has left her with a second chance—not just to pursue her dreams, but to fight for the love she almost lost. With Kiersten's encouragement, Gemma resolves to be brave, to confess her feelings to Dax, and to build the life she truly wants.

Home Again, Heart Ajar

Gemma finds Dax at home, returned from a soul-searching trip up north. In a moment of raw honesty, she confesses her love, risking everything for a chance at happiness. Dax, too, admits that he can't imagine a life without her, and together they embrace the uncertainty of a future built on love, not fear. Their kiss is both an ending and a beginning—a promise that, no matter the timeline, their hearts will always find each other. The magic may be gone, but the love remains, stronger and truer than ever.

Second Chances, Same Hearts

Six months later, Gemma and Dax are living their happily ever after—one built not on magic, but on courage, trust, and the willingness to take risks. Wilde Sisters Beauty is finally open, a testament to Gemma's newfound confidence and Kiersten's creative vision. Dax's store is thriving, and their relationship is a blend of friendship, passion, and deep understanding. Surrounded by family, laughter, and the promise of new adventures, Gemma reflects on the journey that brought her here. The lesson is clear: love is not about erasing the past, but about embracing the present and daring to dream of the future.

Wilde Sisters, Wilder Dreams

Gemma and Kiersten's bond is stronger than ever, forged through shared struggles and mutual support. Together, they navigate the challenges of business, family, and love, each learning to trust herself and the other. Aunt Livi, ever the wise matriarch, reminds them that life is a tapestry of choices, risks, and second chances. As Gemma looks around at the life she has built—with Dax by her side, her sister as her partner, and her dreams within reach—she knows that the real magic was never in the spell, but in the courage to choose love, again and again.

Happily Ever After, Rewritten

In the end, Gemma's story is not about magic or fate, but about the power of choice. She learns that happiness is not found in safety or certainty, but in the willingness to risk her heart, to trust in love, and to believe in herself. Surrounded by family, friends, and the man who has always been her soulmate, Gemma steps into her future with hope, humor, and an open heart. Her happily ever after is not the one she wished for, but the one she chose—rewritten, reimagined, and entirely her own.

Characters

Gemma Wilde

Gemma is a woman caught between comfort and courage, haunted by the fear of disappointment yet longing for something more. Her breakup with Stuart exposes the cracks in her carefully constructed life, forcing her to confront the ways she has settled for safety over passion. Gemma's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates parallel realities, heartbreak, and the messy magic of love. Her relationship with Dax is the heart of the story—a friendship so deep it blurs the line between platonic and romantic. Through spells, setbacks, and second chances, Gemma learns that true happiness comes not from erasing the past, but from embracing the unknown and daring to choose love, even when it scares her.

Daxon "Dax" McGuire

Dax is Gemma's anchor and her greatest risk. Loyal, creative, and quietly passionate, he is the friend who always shows up, the lover who waits patiently for Gemma to see what's been in front of her all along. Dax's own journey is marked by resilience and vulnerability—his dreams of running a successful sneaker shop are threatened by circumstance and, in the alternate timeline, by Gemma's wish. His relationship with Gemma is a dance of longing and restraint, as both fear losing the friendship that means everything. Ultimately, Dax's love is unwavering, and his willingness to risk his heart inspires Gemma to do the same.

Kiersten Wilde

Kiersten is Gemma's older sister and emotional ballast, offering tough love, humor, and unwavering support. Her own struggles with self-worth and ambition mirror Gemma's, and their relationship is a testament to the power of sisterhood. Kiersten's journey from self-sacrificing mom to aspiring entrepreneur is a subplot that enriches the narrative, highlighting the importance of pursuing one's own dreams. Her dynamic with Gemma is both grounding and inspiring, as the sisters learn to lean on each other and celebrate their individual and shared successes.

Aunt Livi

Aunt Livi is the heart and soul of the Wilde family—a woman who believes in magic, healing, and the power of books. Her quirky rituals and unwavering support provide both comic relief and genuine guidance. Livi's spellbook is the catalyst for the story's magical twist, but her real gift is her ability to see the truth in those she loves. She encourages Gemma to take risks, trust herself, and believe in the possibility of second chances. Her presence is a reminder that family is not just about blood, but about love, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself.

Stuart Holliston

Stuart is the embodiment of everything Gemma thought she wanted: stability, predictability, and a future free of surprises. Their relationship is comfortable but uninspired, and his eventual departure forces Gemma to confront the ways she has settled for less than she deserves. In the alternate timeline, Stuart's absence is both a relief and a loss, as Gemma realizes that erasing him means erasing the life she built around him. Stuart's role is less about who he is and more about what he represents—the choice between safety and the unknown.

Sunny Khatri

Sunny is Dax's new friend in the alternate timeline—a brilliant, beautiful, and accomplished woman who seems to have it all. Her presence challenges Gemma's confidence and forces her to confront her own insecurities. Yet, Sunny is not a villain; she is warm, genuine, and ultimately becomes an ally. Her relationship with Dax is a red herring, highlighting the depth of Gemma's feelings and the uniqueness of her connection with Dax. Sunny's own journey toward love mirrors Gemma's, reinforcing the theme that happiness is found in unexpected places.

Dougie and Brandon

Dougie and Brandon are Dax's cousins and the heart of his found family. Their home is a refuge for Dax in times of crisis, and their parties are the backdrop for many pivotal moments. Their relationship is loving, playful, and a model of partnership. They provide comic relief, practical support, and a sense of belonging that grounds both Dax and Gemma. Their presence underscores the importance of community and the idea that family is what you make it.

Priya Bhavani

Priya is a successful spa owner who offers Gemma the opportunity to expand Wilde Beauty. Her no-nonsense approach and high standards challenge Gemma to step outside her comfort zone and believe in her own abilities. Priya's offer is both a dream and a test, forcing Gemma to confront her fears about risk, failure, and success. Through Priya, Gemma learns that ambition is not a dirty word, and that dreams are worth fighting for.

Snake (Barista)

Snake is the quirky barista at Brewski's, whose flirtatious banter and alternate-reality makeout session with Gemma provide comic relief and underscore the strangeness of her new world. He represents the idea that every choice leads to a different outcome, and that even the smallest decisions can have unexpected consequences.

Mr. Zogaib

Mr. Zogaib is the ever-present neighbor and shopkeeper whose small acts of kindness and gossip keep the community connected. In both timelines, he is a constant—a reminder that some things remain the same, no matter how much the world changes. His budding romance with Aunt Livi is a sweet subplot that reinforces the story's themes of love, second chances, and the magic of everyday life.

Plot Devices

Parallel Universes and the Power of Choice

The central plot device is the "love cleanse" spell, which transports Gemma into a parallel universe where her choices—and their consequences—are laid bare. This narrative structure allows the story to explore the "what ifs" of life, examining how small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. The use of parallel timelines is both a literal and metaphorical exploration of risk, regret, and the courage to change. Foreshadowing is woven throughout, as Gemma's initial desire to erase pain leads to unforeseen costs, and the only way forward is to accept the past and embrace the unknown. The spell's requirements—a kiss, a cord, a waning moon—serve as both magical and emotional thresholds, marking the moments when Gemma must choose between safety and love.

Friends-to-Lovers and the Fear of Loss

The friends-to-lovers trope is at the heart of the story, with Gemma and Dax's relationship evolving through shared history, unspoken longing, and the ever-present fear of losing what they have. The narrative structure builds tension through near-misses, misunderstandings, and the constant push-pull between desire and caution. The story uses repetition—rituals, parties, walks—to highlight the comfort of routine, while the disruptions caused by magic and choice force the characters to confront what they truly want. The ultimate resolution is not in the spell, but in the willingness to risk everything for love.

Symbolism and Motifs

Recurring symbols—doughnuts, candles, yarn, and even spiders—underscore the story's themes of comfort, transformation, and the interconnectedness of life. The motif of "home" is explored both literally (Gemma's shifting living spaces) and figuratively (the people and relationships that ground her). The spellbook, with its cryptic warnings and missing pages, serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and the limits of control. The story's humor, warmth, and magical realism are balanced by moments of genuine vulnerability and loss, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and deeply human.

Analysis

This Spells Love is a modern romantic comedy that uses the device of parallel universes to explore the timeless question: What if you could undo your biggest regret? Through Gemma's journey, the novel examines the tension between safety and risk, comfort and passion, and the ways in which our choices—big and small—shape our lives. The magic in the story is both literal and metaphorical, serving as a catalyst for self-discovery rather than a solution to life's problems. The novel's true heart lies in its celebration of friendship, family, and the courage to love deeply, even when it means facing loss. By blending humor, warmth, and a touch of whimsy, Kate Robb crafts a narrative that is both escapist and emotionally resonant, reminding readers that happiness is not found in erasing the past, but in embracing the messy, beautiful uncertainty of the present. The ultimate lesson is that love—real, lasting love—is not about finding the perfect path, but about choosing, again and again, to risk your heart for the people and dreams that matter most.

Last updated: September 26, 2025