The Review

“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling, the pen name of bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, enchants readers with its delightful blend of romance, magic, and Halloween vibes. Set in the picturesque town of Graves Glen, Georgia, the book follows Vivienne Jones, a young witch who jokingly curses her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow, after a devastating breakup. When Rhys returns to Graves Glen years later, they both realize that the curse may have had unintended consequences. Now, they must work together to break the curse and save the town from magical mishaps.

The Halloweeny and autumnal atmosphere in the book creates a charming backdrop, evoking a desire to experience Graves Glen firsthand. I pictured Halloween Town, with a bit of Stars Hollow, and a dash of real-life Savannah, Georgia. The humorous elements sprinkled throughout the story add to its light and enjoyable feel, making it a delightful romcom read. My favorite part was the inclusion of a talking cat, which only cared about asking for treats. Also, Caitlin Davies is one of my favorite Audiobook narrators, so I was excited to hear her voice.

My issue with this novel, however, was that I wished it wasn’t primarily a romance. Personally, I found myself more invested in the plotline of accomplishing tasks and saving the town from bad magic than I was with the relationship between Vivienne and Rhys. While I understand it was meant to be an “enemies-to-lovers” rekindled romance story, I didn’t feel the chemistry between them. I would have enjoyed the novel much more had it been categorized as young adult fiction. However, I did end up rooting for their relationship in the end.

Overall, “The Ex Hex” is recommended for fans of romantic comedies, especially those looking for a spooky vibe as they transition into the autumn months. While it may not have been a perfect read, it offers a delightful and quick escape into a world of witches, magic, and a second chance at love. With its enjoyable banter, charming setting, and a touch of steamy romance, it’s a great choice for a lighthearted Halloween read.

3 out of 5 stars!!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

The book’s Halloweeny and autumnal atmosphere was immersive, evoking images of Halloween Town and the quait charm of Stars Hallow. Humorous elements scattered throughout the narrative contribute to its light and delightful romcom essence, with a talking cat stealing the spotlight.

I personally wish this wasn’t a romance novel and would have enjoyed a stronger focus on the plotline. I loved the idea of Vivienne and Rhys collaborating to break the curse and protect the town from perilous magical mishaps. Each new area they went to with malfunctioning magic, reminded me of the dungeon trials scene from HP Philosopher’s Stone I loved as a kid. I would have enjoyed the story more if it stuck with a YA vibe instead of cutting into some spicy scenes.

Overall,- I recommend “The Ex Hex” to romance enthusiasts seeking a touch of spookiness as they embrace the autumn months. It provides an enjoyable escape into a realm of witches, magic, and the opportunity for love’s second chance.