I’ll just book in the series so much are amazing. I think this is one of my favorite authors and especially with the whole Romantasy thing.

While this had the potential to be a fun, cozy read, it ultimately didn’t hit the mark for me. The main issue was that the characters felt underdeveloped and stayed very surface-level throughout the book. Because of this, I found it hard to connect with any of them, which made the story feel flat to me. Their motivations and emotions didn’t seem fully fleshed out, leaving me indifferent to their fates.

Another aspect that missed for me was the talking cat. Though he only appeared briefly, his constant yelling for treats came across as more annoying than charming or quirky, which is what I think the author was going for. Instead of adding a fun element to the story, it felt like a distraction that didn’t land. (Although, that could be because I listened to the audio, but if I had been reading it I would have skimmed over that part.)

The pacing also felt off in certain places. Some parts dragged on, while others seemed rushed, which threw off the flow of the story for me. The most intriguing aspect was the ghost and her backstory—that was the only part I found myself really invested in.

If you enjoy lighthearted, fluffy, cozy books, this might still be something you’d enjoy. But for me, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. It wasn’t a bad read, but it’s not something I’d pick up again or remember much about in the future. It was just an okay read that didn’t stand out to me.

This was a fun and steamy read, perfect for September or October when readers are getting in the witch-y mood!

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is a delightful and enchanting read that is perfect for fans of lighthearted, adventurous, and humorous romance, particularly those who enjoy witches, second-chance romances, and the thrill of watching lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers relationships unfold.

I fabulous read that I absolutely enjoyed! Highly recommend and will purchase several physical and digital copies for library collections. Thank you!!

This feels like it had the potential to be a really great witchy contemporary but it still just lacked something.

I didn't hate it but for the most part I was very indifferent on the couple.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book at the start. But I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Vivi was so relatable, and I instantly loved her. (Which if you ever see any of my reviews, you know can be a rarity for me). But I truly adored her. and wanted her to be happy and find herself.

I'm always down for a story set in the south too. You give me a good New Orleans setting, or even a good Georgia setting like this one, and I'm for it. (Maybe because I've grown up in the south and love all the history and old buildings and towns that come from it)

But I really did enjoy the slow burn of this one. It had a little magic, a little romance, a little fun, and little revenge, even if it isn't like revenge revenge haha.

This is a cute, witchy, romcom. It was definitely enjoyable and I’d recommend the audiobook because the narrator was really good. But, some of the magic elements were a little cheesy or “too easy” for my liking. The romance was cute and I’d continue the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

the book was such a fun quick read! Fun cozy fall vibes. It’s a perfect romcom book. If you like second chance romance this is for you.

RATING: 3/5 STARS

I have been on a search for the perfect witchy romance for me...and am yet to find it, sigh. This one didn't grab me although I have enjoyed previous books of Erin Sterling (Rachel Hawkins) -- her Hex Hall series is one of my favorites but this one was lacking that humor and excitement.

I wasn't a huge fan of this one. I love a witchy romance but this one was a little to cutesy for me personally. It felt more like Halloweentown fan fiction than anything.

Thank you to Avon and William Morrow for my copy of The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was instantly interested in this one when I saw the cover and read the synopsis. And I was even more excited when I saw that it was written under a pen name for Rachel Hawkins, as she wrote one of my favorite books of 2020. The Ex Hex has the perfect amount of witchy magicalness + romance! It's very Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Gilmore Girls. It is a second chance romance, which I've gotten a little burned out on lately, but the witchy twist gave it that extra umph for me! The story is set in the small town of Graves Glen. The whole town just has a perfect magical vibe to it, down to the college that is half humans and half witches. And all the humans in the town are totally unsuspecting that they live amongst witches.

Cute spooky themed paranormal romance. While I can't say I shipped the main characters, it was a nice fluff read for the season. Was it cheesy as all get out? Absolutely. Massively trope-y but still a fun read.

This was fine, it was a cute concept and I love the town and how much they love Halloween, but I didn’t feel any chemistry or connection between the romantic leads.

This book felt very formulaic to me, I had a hard time getting into it. It was written well though, so I will give credit where credit is due. It just wasn’t my favorite.

Fun, cheerful and feel-good with a gorgeous Welsh wizard - what's not to love about that?

I have to be honest here and say that stories with witches and wizards aren't my usual pick-up, I think I grew out of wizards and witches but something about this caught my attention and overall I wasn't disappointed, true witches and wizards and casting spells on each still isn't one of my favourite genre's but this has certainly changed my initial opinion of these stories.

I really enjoyed this one, it's ever so cute and lots of fun plus at parts quite steamy (always a good thing in my opinion) I liked the characters they are great fun and the story is original and engaging, i really liked how easy this was to read.

actual rating: 4/5 stars

i really had such a fun and amazing time reading this book. it isn't one of the best romances i've ever read but it is amazing for the spooky season and perfectly put you into the halloween mood but in a lighthearted way similar to halloweentown or hocus pocus. this story is gilmore girls meets halloweentown.

the atmosphere is what really made this book with the spooky southern small-town vibes which i absolutely adored. the characters were fun and i loved that it was a second-chance romance because those are some of my favorites. while i wasn't specifically attached to the characters, the witchy aspects made up for the lack of personality either one had. their family relations also made this book a bit more interesting.

this book was super funny and i enjoyed the writing. the fact the heroine cursed the hero without being able to normally do magic and doing it in an accidental way set this book off on the right foot.

the ley line aspect of this book really made it interesting and reminded me of the raven cycle and the fact that there was this spirit that played a role from the middle of the book to the end was entertaining. i enjoyed that is had a plot and conflict that had to do with something other than just the romance because just a normal rom com can be a bit repetitive and boring.

This was a cute book, but I found it to be a just okay. I thought the characters could be a little more developed and it dragged in the middle. The audio version was done okay as well. The narrator was a bit annoying. That being said, I am planning on reading the second book in the series.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling | Full Review available on GinaRaeMitchell. com

I wanted to love this story but there was just a bit of “something” missing that would push it to the next level. Let’s see if I can work that out in this review.

The characters were great. Vivi’s unease with her magic and Rhys with his constant deflecting were very believable. The pace was good for the most part. The story took a few sidesteps that I thought needed more definition or left out altogether. They just didn’t enhance the storytelling for me. It felt like either I missed the first book in the series or those threads were left dangling for a sequel.

I can see this turning into a successful series. Elaine, Gwyn, Simon, and the brothers all seem destined to have their story told.

Final decision: 3.75/5


I received a digital copy of the book through NetGalley. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

LOVED! This book had me laying in bed reading all day because I just could not put it down. Sign me up for anything with a witch and romance and the fantastic writing style of Erin Sterling!