The last time I read a Sariah Wilson book, it was an Amazon First Reads and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it because I usually find them disappointing. I was even more shocked to see Hypnotized By Love on the list a little while ago because it was yet again a book I was getting for free that I knew I would enjoy. The last time it was chemists, this time it’s a hypnotist… count me in!

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 expected: 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?

Sariah Wilson is becoming one of my favourite authors. I like that her books are light, funny and well-written. I truly enjoyed that Savannah was a hypnotist—and I honestly cannot tell you whether this was a true-to-life account or not—and I wished we had a bit more of her job in the book, to be honest. I loved Savannah’s twin sister Sierra and their dynamic. I’m kind of hoping a Sierra book comes next.

Though I love the first-love trope and the enemies-to-lovers trope (always a fan!), I felt that the reason Savannah and Mason weren’t speaking was really superficial and not realistic for people whose parents are best friends. The misunderstanding was so silly and could have been solved with 30 seconds of conversation. And for people who hadn’t spoken in that many years, I felt that they should have gotten to know each other again before just liking each other right away—you change a lot between high school and 24. And, there could have been more spice. There was none at all! But I did enjoy the banter between Mason and Savannah a lot. It was relatable and adorable.

All that being said, I breezed through this story and really did enjoy it. I can’t wait to see what Sariah Wilson has in store for us next!

4 STARS

“My mentor has told me to avoid giving the Board any futher ammunition. Mason Beckett wasn’t just ammunition. He was a full-blown nuclear warhead who could detonate my entire life.” —Sariah Wilson, Hypnotized by Love