The Ex Hex: A Novel (The Ex Hex, #1)

by Erin Sterling

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

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.

• ISBN10: 006302747X
• ISBN13: 9780063027473
• Publish Date: 28 October 2021 (first published 28 September 2021)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 26 April 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: William Morrow Cookbooks
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[cadrian]

I enjoyed it, but I also listened to it. I don’t know if I would have finished it as fast otherwise.

[CrowNoYami]

4.5 Stars

 

A very cute read with just enough spice thrown in to keep it interesting. While I'm a bit confused about a few of the minor plot points, overall it was entertaining. 

[Joséphine]

It was a fun book, especially around autumn/Halloween. Kinda overhyped on Instagram though, so my expectations were probably a bit too high going in. Was expecting Stars Hollow vibes, which was what sold me on this book in the first place. Not enough charm for me to live up to that, unfortunately. Still, if you want a seasonal book that isn’t horror or gore, then this one fits the bill.

[Kim Deister]

I had high hopes for this novel when I first came across it, as it is written by Rachel Hawkins incognito. And every one of those high hopes was met and surpassed.

This was such a deliciously wonderful, perfectly spicy, witchy rom-com! It was like a sexier, more comedic, more foul-mouthed Practical Magic, which is a book/movie I adore, so that’s saying something for me. The chemistry and dynamic between Rhys and Vivi was perfection in words. Equally delightful as the connection between Vivi and her best friend/cousin Gwyn. Gwyn is everything a woman could want in a wingwoman… funny, direct, supportive, and willing to walk through it to protect you and your heart. Sterling/Hawkin’s comedic timing is wonderful, adding humor in unexpected place. And yes, the f-bombs are rampant, well placed, and full of comedic value.

And on top of all that is a perfectly crafted setting. Set in Georgia, it felt like it could be a small town in the fall in Anywhere, USA. It was so easy to imagine every detail, and I loved it so much!!

Great, great read, and I can’t wait for the next!

[Quirky Cat]

The Ex Hex was one of my BOTM choices for October. It looked like a light and cute read – one that merged rom-com elements with fantasy, which is absolutely something that I am interested in. Written by Erin Sterling, this series catchphrase should be "Never mix vodka with witchcraft." Oh! And did I mention that it's actually the start of a series? Sign me up!

Vivienne Jones had her heartbroken nearly a decade ago. While sad and very drunk (thanks, vodka), she and her cousin decided to curse her ex jokingly. Yes, both girls are very much real witches – but their curse wasn't real.

Or rather, it wasn't meant to be. It wasn't until Rhys Penhallow returned to Graves Glen that it became clear that the curse was very much real – and going to be an active problem for everyone in the town. So now she's stuck working with her ex in hopes of saving the day.

"You almost ran your ex-boyfriend over with a car, and then left him lying in the literal dirt on the side of the road. It is such a big deal, you absolute queen."

The Ex Hex was such a delightful and refreshing read! This was perfect for reading right about Halloween (followed shortly by a binge-watch of Hocus Pocus, of course). I loved how light and entertaining it was. It made for a refreshing change from all of the darker Halloween reads I've been reading (and admittedly enjoying).

I don't know what it is, but I just adore the idea of a witchy rom-com. This isn't the first of its kind that I've read this season (I believe it is actually the third), but I just can't get enough of it! If you're like me and craving something like this, then I highly recommend diving right on it!

I think the thing I loved the most about The Ex Hex (other than the truly hilarious quotes that sprung from the pages) is that this book did not take itself too seriously. It is what it is – nothing more and nothing less. It certainly was not embarrassed about that fact either, which I find endearing.

From my understanding, the sequel in this series (yay!) will follow two different characters. It sounds like they're ones that have already been introduced – and I am SO excited to find out more! Fingers crossed, we'll hear soon.

Read more reviews at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[mrs_mander_reads]

This was the perfect Halloween romance. It had all the elements for spooky season, plus a fun family feud and unrequited love element, too.
My only complaint is that I wish the audiobook narrator included more of Rhys' accent - he comes off completely American, which I don't think is in the spirit of his character.

[bearley]

Super cute Halloween read! Surprisingly hilarious, never had a book make me laugh that hard