A review by orionmerlin
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Characters: 6.5/10
Vivi and Rhys are charming enough, but they aren’t exactly redefining the romance genre. Vivi is your standard “reluctant witch with a grudge,” and Rhys is the flirty, accented love interest who exists to be hot and conveniently cursed. Their dynamic? Mostly fueled by banter, which is fun for a while until you realize they don’t have much else going for them. Gwyn, the quirky cousin, adds some energy, but she feels more like a walking trope than a fully developed character. Do I care about these characters? Sure. Would I remember their names a year from now? Doubt it.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7.5/10
The town of Graves Glen is full of witchy, autumnal charm, but it’s more aesthetic than substance. I loved the small-town, magical-Halloween vibes, but beyond the pumpkin decorations and cutesy occult shop, there’s not much actual world-building. The magic feels more like a gimmick than an integrated part of the setting, and the town itself never fully comes to life. It’s cozy, sure, but I wanted more—more lore, more detail, more than just “Halloweentown with hot witches.”
Writing Style: 7/10
Sterling’s writing is fast-paced and easy to digest, which works well for this type of book. The humor is solid, and the dialogue is snappy, but there’s so much quippy banter that it starts to feel like the characters are in a perpetual sitcom episode. The prose is functional but not particularly memorable, and while the book doesn’t drag, it doesn’t linger in any meaningful way either. The writing is good—but not great.
Plot: 6/10
Look, I love a ridiculous premise, but this one leans more toward “cute idea” than “compelling story.” Drunkenly cursing your ex and accidentally unleashing magical chaos on your town? Amazing concept. The execution? Predictable, low-stakes, and lacking any real emotional weight. The obstacles feel more like mild inconveniences than serious problems, and the resolution is so tidy it’s practically gift-wrapped. This is not the book to read if you want tension or surprises—because there aren’t any.
Intrigue: 7/10
I never considered abandoning the book, but I also wasn’t dying to see what happened next. The humor and romance kept me entertained, but the low-stakes conflict and lack of real surprises meant I could’ve put it down at any point and not felt particularly pressed to pick it back up. It’s a fun ride, but not one I’d buy a ticket for twice.
Logic/Relationships: 6/10
The magic system in this book is about as consistent as my WiFi signal on a stormy night. Spells just kinda…happen. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, and the rules? Who needs those! It feels like magic exists purely to advance the plot when convenient, not as a structured element of this world. As for the romance, it’s cute but shallow. Rhys and Vivi are hot for each other, but do they have depth? Do they grow? Do they have anything resembling actual emotional stakes? Ehh. It’s more of a “we’re attracted to each other so let’s roll with it” situation.
Enjoyment: 7/10
Despite all my complaints, I did have fun. This book is like a Halloween rom-com movie on Netflix—you know exactly what you’re getting, and as long as you don’t expect more, you’ll probably enjoy it. It’s light, fast-paced, and full of amusing chaos. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you’re in the mood for something fluffy. It’s a fun seasonal read, but it won’t be making any “best of the year” lists.
Final Thoughts: 6.5/10
If you’re looking for a cozy, magical rom-com with minimal plot tension and lots of snark, this is a great pick. If you want depth, rich world-building, or emotional complexity, keep moving. This book is enjoyable for what it is, but it never reaches beyond being a cute story with a cute romance and a cute setting. Fun? Absolutely. Exceptional? Not even close. 
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