By iamsandykay on May 5, 2026 ( Leave a comment )

Book Review – Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards

Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
by L.L. Campbell

Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards by L.L. Campbell

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Book Description:

When Lochlan and Nia wake up in a field, naked, hungover, and magically married, neither remembers saying “I do,” and both are absolutely sure it wasn’t their idea.

They aren’t the first witches in Stella Rune to have a hand-fasting mishap, but this one won’t be easily undone. The culprit behind their accidental marriage refuses to annul the union unless they can prove, beyond a doubt, that they’re completely incompatible.

Easy. They do what anyone would: agree to fake their way through a relationship for a few weeks, make it clear they’re terrible for each other, earn their freedom, and get back to their separate lives by Samhain.

But problems arise when Lochlan, a disgraced prince haunted by the scars of his past, finds himself falling for the secretive and fiercely independent Nia, who’s built walls around her heart so high no one else has dared to scale them. And Nia, who has sworn off love in favor of a life devoted to extortion and charitable causes, can’t help admiring the steadfast, guarded man who stirs emotions she’s never allowed herself to feel before.

What started as a magical mistake might turn into something real, if they’re brave enough to let it

My Take:

SK Book Review - Hand Fasting and Other Hazards Review graphic

The characters were interesting, but struggled to get going in a winding plot that was both boring at times and overwhelming and rushed at others.

I really wanted to like the characters and care about their exploits, but the plot was filled with fits and starts, where I’d be so bored and questioning “WHY do I need to know this?!?” and then quickly confused because we took a leap and are off in the middle of some crisis.

I wanted to love the characters, but they were a little flat. The FMC was a whiny brat, but her redemption arc was lack-luster and disappointing.

I’m all for a redemption arc and a learning experience, but this FMC was VERY similar to the author’s other FMC (from Trick Magic and Tricky Princess) that I felt like I already knew her and her “growth” only happens when she gets her way. This left the book kind of a let-down.

The Final Verdict

My rating: 3 stars

Would I recommend? Eh

Tried to love it, but the characters and the plot didn’t allow for it. Kind of a miss.

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