Reviews

Best Hex Ever: A Novel by Nadia El-Fassi

lovefromhannah's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I DIDN'T KNOW I NEEDED

Best Hex Ever is the debut novel of ex-Waterstones employee Nadia El-Fassi. This novel revived me from my month long reading slump, which I didn't think was possible for this bisexual witch cafe owner x museum curator romance.

I don't often read contemporary novels - or romance novels, in general - but this book is making me start. I didn't feel like the magic elements were out of place (yes, there are only 4 characters with magic) in this novel: a balanced blend of witchy magic and the usual chaos of dating/relationships with the business of life in London.

However, I have seen criticism of this novel and its use of tropes, in particular the insta-love trope. Whilst yes, the characters are attracted to each other from their meet cute, neither of them act upon these feelings until much later in the novel. In fact, Dina (our witchy protagonist) spends a large chunk of the novel scared of these feelings and what they mean (in regards to a spoiler which I will not mention).

Nadia El-Fassi's debut novel is like coming home to the kettle already boiling. I will definitely be reading her next book.

You can find Nadia El-Fassi on Twitter @chronicles_of_n.

mbb90's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Hexed kitchen witch Dina falls for museum curator Scott during a weekend getaway in the English country side for their friends’ wedding. 

This was cute and I loved the witchy baking and Dina’s Moroccan heritage. I really liked Dina’s friendship with Immy and Rosemary. The spice was good too but I didn’t like the insta lust. For me it was way too strong and too fast. There wasn’t enough getting to know each other first. For a big chunk of the book it’s only physical attraction and lust. 

I do plan to check out Nadia El-Fassi’s next book in this interconnected series though. 

Thank you Netgalley and Dell for this eARC

daily_leelee's review against another edition

3.0

I thought this book was a cozy fall read, but didn’t love it. I enjoyed it although found parts incredibly slow or fast that made the pacing feel off. I really enjoyed Scott and Dina as characters but their insta love and rushed relationship was hard to follow. 

I really enjoyed following the kitchen magic and the rich heritage of magic passed down through her family. The book gave off a cozy vibe as I read through it and would be wonderful to read in the fall. I wished that there had been more involvement of Scott’s work around his symbols and protection exhibit in figuring out Dina’s curse. 

Overall really enjoyable and would recommend. 

nikkicrayray's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mollyopenshaw's review against another edition

emotional hopeful

3.5

This was a really well developed cosy fantasy romance; and a different take on the hidden-witch narrative.

I really enjoyed the pacing and the characters, it felt authentic and developed. 

The food descriptions were beautiful and all of the different teas were a joy to read about- I think the detail in this book is exquisite.

I think this fits perfectly alongside dislikes titles like The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches.

chloehanrattyfairbairn's review

4.0

A spicy, cosy witchy rom com, this will be perfect to read in October time. The characters were well rounded out and the romance was cute if a bit insta-lovey.

sorayanadiab's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing tense medium-paced

5.0

jeeno's review

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated