Hypnotized by Love

I was tempted by this Amazon First Reads RomCom pick based on the teenage friends to almost-lovers trope that morphs into enemies-to-lovers territory and the interesting addition of hypnotherapy. When Savannah, a hypnotherapist reluctantly has a hypnotherapy session with Mason, an old friend/love interest who she has had a falling out with, things go awry when the session gets interrupted leaving Mason more susceptible to agreeing to whatever life throws at him.

This was a cute premise with a unique twist to the popular RomCom universe with its focus on hypnotherapy, but I was surprised that this aspect quickly fell to the background while Savannah's baggage and her penchant for holding onto issues takes centre stage. 

Readers will have to suspend disbelief if they're going to get on board with Savannah's character. She's a professional woman, but she is immature, and she holds grudges and jumps to conclusions like they're Olympic sports. She was a frustrating character and the reasoning behind her six-year grudge with Mason was weak compared to the intensity of her long-held and over-the-top hatred.

This almost squeaky-clean romance (aka very little spice) was a cute read if you can overlook the miscommunication (the most loathsome of all RomCom tropes) and Savannah's over-the-top character. For me, the story's saving graces were its cute banter and one-liners, hunky and oh-so-patient Mason and how the author includes important issues of forgiveness, family, friendship and the effects of self-sabotage.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book as part of the Amazon First Reads program. All opinions are my own. 

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Sariah Wilson

Genre: RomCom

Type and Source: eBook - Amazon First Reads program

Publisher: Montlake

First Published: March 1, 2024

Book Description from GoodReads: The power of suggestion does wonders for the heart in an absolutely captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Hypnotist Savannah Sinclair is known for helping clients overcome their deep-rooted issues, from anxiety to addiction. But her nontraditional approach also attracts plenty of skeptics—including her high school nemesis and rival, Mason Beckett, who just so happens to be the boy who broke her heart.

Mason’s life hasn’t gone according to plan. His latest novel was a flop, and the only gig he can land is writing a scathing exposé of his hometown hypnotist, Savannah. But in order to write an authentic article, he has to be a willing participant. Hypnosis is the last thing he he’s shedding his negative nature and opening himself up to new experiences…and when a fire alarm interrupts their session, Mason walks out into the real world entranced and sporting a sunny disposition and a tendency to say yes.

Hypnotized Mason is fearless, revealing things he’s never told a soul, acting completely out of character, and leading Savannah on a frantic chase to keep him safe. He likes his new self. The problem is, so does Savannah. She can’t fall in love with a man who’s in a trance, but can she keep him still long enough to get him to snap out of it?