britt33's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
takarakei's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was slumping while reading so I did read a bit slow for me. But I had a hard time getting into this book and really connecting with the characters. It's second-chance romance, which I typically really enjoy but this one was just ok. I've heard the second book is a lot better?
I didn't really understand the world building, or like why there was a college with witches and the MC is a witch but she like doesn't really know what she's doing. I know that getting stronger powers is kinda part of the storyline, but it felt a bit flimsy to me.
Also WHY did the narrator NOT USE AN ACCENT. It's one thing to have one narrator for dual POV (ugh), but HE'S WELSH! AT LEAST DO AN ACCENT! MISSED OPPORTUNITY!!!!
3/5 🌶️
I didn't really understand the world building, or like why there was a college with witches and the MC is a witch but she like doesn't really know what she's doing. I know that getting stronger powers is kinda part of the storyline, but it felt a bit flimsy to me.
Also WHY did the narrator NOT USE AN ACCENT. It's one thing to have one narrator for dual POV (ugh), but HE'S WELSH! AT LEAST DO AN ACCENT! MISSED OPPORTUNITY!!!!
3/5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Misogyny
renpuspita's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Witchy, cozy, slightly steamy, exactly what I expect from paranormal romance book. The Ex Hex is about Vivienne Jones, or Vivi, and her-ex, Rhys Penhallow and the curse (or hex) that going awry. The curse itself stems from Vivi's heartbreak when she was 19 and Rhys left her. At first, it's just for shit and giggles but suddenly become a big catastrophe (or near world ending, whichever you prefer) when the curse become real. The cat start talking, the ghost suddenly appearing, the spell going awry and Vivi found that Graves Glen history might be not what it seems to be.
The Ex-Hex have some of my favorite catnip, the one that got away and second chance. The main characters are pretty much charming, with Vivi try to deny her attraction to Rhys (not gonna work, we all know it) and Rhys that still can't get over Vivi even after 9 years. I did enjoy their banter, although the star of this book happen to be the side characters, Vivi's cousin Gwynnevere. Gwynn's dialogue always crack me up and I liked that she always supportive to Vivi together with her mother, Elaine. Sisterhood or witch coven for the win! The Penhallows brothers seems interesting too, with the oldest Wells is grumpy all the time and the middle brother, Bowen is eccentric as hell. Rhys seems like the charming ones here.
The story is pretty much light and entertaining, perfect for a light and one-sitting read. The romance is pretty well written and I liked that it's low of angst. Both Vivi and Rhys were adult although sometimes they act too horny, but hey, that what 9 years separation did to you. But, I liked with what Sterling write for them, no drama, no big misunderstanding that need groveling scene (that somehow the way its written is mostly meh and not enough), the love declaration is pretty on point and the conclusion for how Vivi and Rhys manage their relationship despite their big difference (Vivi is already rooted in Graves Glen, Rhys is as free as they come) was satisfying. The sex scenes were steamy and sometimes have its humorous moment as well without too much cringe (at least, for my taste.)
I recommend The Ex-Hex if you want to read a witchy but cozy paranormal romance book and the Halloween setting is pretty much fit. The next book is about Gwynn with one of Penhallow brother, Llewellyn or Wells. In this book Gwynn's ex is a woman so, maybe she's a bi? Anyway, Gwynn is my favorite characters with her witty and sarcastic remarks and pretty much sunshine, while Wells's personality is rivaling the Grinch itself, so...yeah, The Kissing Curse is pretty much grumpy x sunshine, lel.
The Ex-Hex have some of my favorite catnip, the one that got away and second chance. The main characters are pretty much charming, with Vivi try to deny her attraction to Rhys (not gonna work, we all know it) and Rhys that still can't get over Vivi even after 9 years. I did enjoy their banter, although the star of this book happen to be the side characters, Vivi's cousin Gwynnevere. Gwynn's dialogue always crack me up and I liked that she always supportive to Vivi together with her mother, Elaine. Sisterhood or witch coven for the win! The Penhallows brothers seems interesting too, with the oldest Wells is grumpy all the time and the middle brother, Bowen is eccentric as hell. Rhys seems like the charming ones here.
The story is pretty much light and entertaining, perfect for a light and one-sitting read. The romance is pretty well written and I liked that it's low of angst. Both Vivi and Rhys were adult although sometimes they act too horny, but hey, that what 9 years separation did to you. But, I liked with what Sterling write for them, no drama, no big misunderstanding that need groveling scene (that somehow the way its written is mostly meh and not enough), the love declaration is pretty on point and the conclusion for how Vivi and Rhys manage their relationship despite their big difference (Vivi is already rooted in Graves Glen, Rhys is as free as they come) was satisfying. The sex scenes were steamy and sometimes have its humorous moment as well without too much cringe (at least, for my taste.)
I recommend The Ex-Hex if you want to read a witchy but cozy paranormal romance book and the Halloween setting is pretty much fit. The next book is about Gwynn with one of Penhallow brother, Llewellyn or Wells. In this book Gwynn's ex is a woman so, maybe she's a bi? Anyway, Gwynn is my favorite characters with her witty and sarcastic remarks and pretty much sunshine, while Wells's personality is rivaling the Grinch itself, so...yeah, The Kissing Curse is pretty much grumpy x sunshine, lel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent
taryn_g's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
microbemom's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Blah!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol and Blood
hannahmichele5's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A fun audiobook re-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
chasingpages1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Murder, Blood, Violence, Infidelity, Car accident, and Cursing
theinstabookworm's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a nice palate cleanser after reading a few thrillers and mysteries back-to-back. I'm probably the last person to read this, but I remember seeing not great reviews when this first released, so I was hesitant.
While I wasn't a fan of the number of times Rhys felt aroused in Vivi's presence and eventually started rolling my eyes a lot, I still did really enjoy this. It's not the greatest romance story of all time, but if you're looking for a fun, easy romance read this spooky season, I recommend it.
While I wasn't a fan of the number of times Rhys felt aroused in Vivi's presence and eventually started rolling my eyes a lot, I still did really enjoy this. It's not the greatest romance story of all time, but if you're looking for a fun, easy romance read this spooky season, I recommend it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
lizy's review against another edition
Not my thing. Cheesy, but not in the right way. Constant eye roll inducing. I had to quit halfway
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent