SPELLSTRUCK
Coming September 29, 2026 from Atria Books
From beloved author Martha Waters, a lightly magical, enemies-to-lovers rom-com about the owner of a speakeasy supplying magical drinks and an enforcer of the ban on magic who must team up when potions begin to go awry, proving that chemistry isn’t just for cocktails.
In an alternate version of 1920s London, vestiges of England’s magical past exist, but the use of magic has been outlawed, leading families still with powers to operate illegal speakeasies for a public still hungry for magic. Vesper Holloway runs her family club, where a dash of spell powder or an enchanted cocktail can add a little extra intrigue to the evening. But one night a man drinking a Flotation Fizz that should allow him to levitate a few inches finds himself bumping his head on the ceiling. Word among the magical elite is that such accidents have been happening more frequently, and the club owners are worried that the danger will spread.
Enter Maxwell Ashbridge, a onetime friend of Vesper’s brother, who has joined the government agency tasked with enforcing the ban, and who has a personal vendetta against the magical elite. But he does not have a vendetta against Vesper; in fact, he finds her rather enticing. He promises her immunity for her club, if she teams up with him to help gain entry to other establishments and find out who is responsible for the contaminated magic threatening her family business. But their investigation does little to quell the chemistry they share. As accidents continue and the fight to repeal the ban gains ground in Parliament, Vesper and Max will have to decide—is the magic between them worth fighting for?
PRAISE FOR SPELLSTRUCK
“Effortlessly charming and laced with intrigue, this is magical escapism at its most addictive.”
—Tricia O'Malley, New York Times bestselling author of Love's a Witch
"You know when you find yourself laughing on page one, you're in for a great read. But I already knew I would be with Spellstruck, because Martha Waters is such a reliably entertaining author. This historical fantasy romance, set in an alt 1920s London with magical speakeasies, features all the clever, charming wit and vivid characteristics I love her books for. It's fun, fabulous, and sparkles with magic of both the alchemic and romantic kind. Waters's fans (who definitely include me) will adore it!"
—India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
"Spellstruck is a delicious, bubbly cocktail of romance, mystery, and charming characters. Prepare to be completely enchanted by Vesper, Max, and the elegant glitz of London's magical speakeasies in this whimsical, fantastical romp of a historical romance. I loved this book!"
—Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anym