I was browsing through Netgalley again, now I’m starting to feel just a little bit stronger – and came across this offering. It looked like a packet of fun, so I requested an arc and was delighted to be approved.
BLURB: Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all. Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
REVIEW: For those of you who may be interested, Erin Sterling also writes YA witchy adventures under the pen name of Rachel Hawkins. I hadn’t come across any of her work before – but was quickly drawn into this entertaining paranormal romance by the very funny drunken scene at the beginning. A word of warning though – there is a fair amount of swearing and steamy sex scenes in this one. So if you’re looking for a paranormal adventure with a bit of romance thrown in as a side order – this won’t be for you. The romance features heavily throughout, and although there is a real mystery to solve, the narrative engine of the story really is the relationship between Vivienne and Rhys.
Despite it not being exactly what I’d expected, I was charmed by the second-chance romance. Partly because I’m a sucker for that dynamic, anyway – and partly because I found both main characters to be genuinely likeable. And that’s high praise from me. I’m not generally a huge fan of lantern-jawed heroes. But Rhys fully acknowledges that he’d thoroughly messed up, has a lovely sense of humour and is really in love with Vivi. The fact there is plenty of humour throughout and while the couple have to work through their issues, it doesn’t get too angsty or miserable was a huge plus. I also enjoyed Vivi’s hilarious cousin, Gwyn – who has no time at all for Rhys. And the talking cat…
All in all, the pages pretty much turned themselves as the story progresses onto a wholly satisfactory ending. I’d be happy to read more books set in this quirky community. While I obtained an arc of The Ex Hex from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Even though I haven’t gotten around to it in October like I wanted, I still can’t wait to read this book!
I hope you manage to get to it next month, Stephanie – it’s great fun:)).
It looks like a lot of fun! And just in time for Halloween!
Oh, it’s perfect timing for Halloween – they even celebrate it in the book, Rae:)
I considered this one but correctly saw it was more a romance. I just can’t read everything sadly, but it’s gotten good reviews from friends. Excellent review, as always.
Thank you, Anne:). I hadn’t realised it was mainly a romance – to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have requested it if I’d known. But nevertheless, it was well written and entertaining – and a pleasant change!
I’m reading this book right now and am really enjoying it. It’s the perfect read for Halloween. 🙂
It’s great fun, isn’t it? Glad you are enjoying it so much!
Even though Halloween just passed, there is no time limit for a good witch story, and this one sounds like a delightful read 🙂
It’s great fun – and as you say, great witchy reads always are a treat:)).
Wonderful review Sarah. I read some good reviews of this one, but steered clear due to the comments about the steamy aspects. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Yes… I won’t deny there are definitely steamy elements! Generally I don’t enjoy that aspect – but the overall story was very entertaining, and I fast-forwarded through most of that stuff:)).
Paranormal romance isn’t usually my thing, but I can see how it can be a nice break from other works. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Yes – it’s been another welcome slice of escapism. Himself has a weakness for romance novels, so I’ve even found myself reading some of those:).
I like a romance novel every now and then, but they really have to be spiced with fantasy or scifi (paranormal is a hit or miss for me). If you’re looking for something fun for you or Himself, try The Deal With the Devil by Kit Rocha. It does have a (longish) sex scene smacked in the middle, but mostly it reads like an action-packed scifi with a crew of likeable characters. 🙂
Thank you for the suggestion:)). It’s been a challenge finding something that’s not too bleak, right now!
It is set in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta, but with a hint of cyberpunk, so not the usual bleak post-apo. And it is romance, after all, just nicely balanced with action and intrigue.
Thank you for the extra detail, Joanna:)).