A review by ceruleanshelves
Kiss of the Selkie by Tessonja Odette

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I killed the first boy I kissed, and if I ever press my lips to another’s, he won’t be the last. And I do very much hope he’s the last. Not because I dislike kissing....
Kissing is fine. It’s the killing I’m not so fond of.

little mermaid retelling where she's a kleptomaniac selkie cursed to kill with her kiss. after a run-in with the sea witch, she makes a reluctant deal to forever remove the curse and save herself - she must win a bridal pageant and kiss the groom-to-be. he's got his own dark past, but when push comes to shove will she be able to do the deed?

i had fun with this one. sometimes there was a bit of info dumping but i thought this was a cute take. i love odette's fae world with its juxtaposition of uptight regency era humans clashing with the more laidback, uninhibited fae.

i always love how her characters have interesting background stories as well, even her side characters. podaxis was a fun addition and i would love to know more what happened with him.

maisy had me cackling at her quips and though sometimes the whole "clumsy fmc" can be overdone or annoying, i thought it was utilized well here to create some tension and awkward moments. i enjoyed learning more about dorian and the growth of his character and their chemistry.

i will be using "shells" as an expletive now and "the elephant seal in the room" 🤭 and it was fun to see "the governess and the rake" play come up as an easter egg here hehe (a rivalry of hearts).

“Are we kindred spirits who understand one another? Two souls cut from the same cloth? Or are we two volatile components that should never be combined?”
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