“The night had gotten darker now, the sky more indigo than lavender, and the moon rose over the hills, bright and cold and white. The perfect night for witching.”
Erin Sterling, The Ex Hex
PLOT: 3.5 /5 CHARACTERS: 3.5/5 WRITING: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5
A couple of years back, I was all about romance and fantasy – couldn’t get enough of them! But as time has passed, I’ve found myself gravitating toward other genres too. It’s not that I’ve outgrown romance; it’s just that I’ve broadened my horizons and found new genres to love.
But hey, it’s the month of love, right? So, I figured why not revisit the genre that’s given me so much joy and comfort over the years? And what better way to do that than diving into a book that blends magic and romance?
If you haven’t heard of her, Erin Sterling is actually Rachel Hawkins writing under a pen name. I’m a big fan of her work – especially The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls which I absolutely devoured!
Now, in her paranormal romance The Ex Hex, she weaves a tale filled with magic, witches, and hexes. It’s the kind of book that’s like a warm hug for fans of light-hearted romances. Trust me, it’s a treat!
A few years ago this book was all the rage (it is still very much talked about even now) – it even snagged a nomination for the Goodreads Choice Award in 2021! As for me, I stumbled upon the audiobook while browsing through my Storytel app, and let me tell you, it was such a delight from start to finish. I was totally hooked!
What’s the story of The Ex Hex? (no spoilers here!)
Let me take you on a journey to Graves Glen, a magical little town tucked away in Georgia. Picture this: nine years ago, a young and heartbroken witch named Vivienne Jones – or Vivi, as she’s known – found herself in a moment of despair. Fuelled by vodka and her own tears, she made a rash decision to curse her boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow. But here’s the thing: Vivi is talented, really talented, and she knew deep down that the makeshift spell she cast couldn’t possibly work.
Fast forward to now, and Vivi’s world is turned upside down when Rhys, the very man she once loved and cursed, returns to Graves Glen. He’s as handsome as ever, but he’s also here to fulfill his duties as a descendant of the town’s ancestors. Looks like Vivi’s assumptions about that fateful night are about to be shattered.
Rhys’s visit to Graves Glen turns into a series of unfortunate events, one after the other. And as Vivi watches it all unfold, she starts to wonder if her drunken, seemingly harmless curse might not have been so harmless after all.
But wait, there’s more! As if dealing with the curse wasn’t enough, the town suddenly finds itself under attack. Now, it’s up to Rhys and Vivi to team up and sort out the mess they’ve found themselves in.
With magic swirling around them and their own hidden desires bubbling to the surface, sparks fly and chaos ensues. And let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. In the end, we all learn a valuable lesson: never mix vodka and witchcraft. It’s a recipe for disaster!
My thoughts
Let me tell you, if I had to describe “The Ex Hex” in just one word, it would be “fun.” Seriously, I’ve dabbled in my fair share of paranormal romances, but nothing quite like this. It’s hilarious and light-hearted in a way that’s totally refreshing. Think of it as a paranormal romantic comedy that’s in a league of its own – the ultimate cozy, feel-good read.
Now, let’s talk about my two absolute favorite things about the book: first up, the charming little town of Graves Glen, and secondly, the swoon-worthy character of Rhys Penhallow.
Let me paint you a picture of Graves Glen – it’s like stepping into the coziest, most enchanting mountain town you could ever imagine. Nestled snugly among the towering peaks of Georgia, it’s the kind of place that just oozes magic from every corner. The descriptions of the quaint shops, charming spots, and the unique geography of the town make it feel like a true haven for all things mystical.
And don’t even get me started on autumn in Graves Glen! With Halloween right around the corner, the whole town comes alive with excitement as they prepare for the annual celebration. Trust me, reading about it will have you itching to pack your bags and head straight there. It’s like being transported to a world where every day feels like a magical adventure.
Now, let’s talk about Rhys Penhallow. This guy is something else, let me tell you. At first glance, he seems like your typical good boy, all proper and polite. But there’s something mysterious about him, something that sets him apart from the rest. He’s got these quirky customs and habits that just add to his charm.
And let’s not forget about his way with words – the guy knows how to swoon you with just a few well-chosen phrases. But it’s not just his words that get you, it’s the way he looks at Vivi, like there’s a whole world of unspoken feelings simmering beneath the surface.
He’s the kind of guy who easily earns a spot on your fictional crush list – trust me, you won’t be able to resist falling for him, quirks and all.
Now, let’s talk about the other nitty-gritties. So, maybe the book could have cranked up the romance a notch or two. The chemistry between the characters isn’t exactly off-the-charts, if you catch my drift. But hey, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. This book is like a whirlwind – it’s fast-paced, it’s breezy, and before you know it, you’ve flown through the whole thing.
Plus, you’ve got all these magical mishaps and witchy shenanigans thrown into the mix, which just adds to the fun. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of entertainment that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend The Ex Hex to anyone who’s a fan of light-hearted paranormal romances. It’s the kind of book that’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. Trust me, you won’t regret giving it a shot.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Ex Hex using the link below.
