Not Your Ex's Hexes
by April Asher
4.5 stars


April Asher has created such amazing strong characters in her books. I was so excited with the first book I read so when I got this chance to read the second, I jumped on it. You should read Not the Witch You Wed first because this takes place shortly after that ends, Spoilers.
Rose Maxwell is a strong woman and doesn't let anything stop her from trying to find her passion for what she wants to do with her life. Damian in this is a sexy perfect bad boy, a hot vet, and just perfect. Damian has now been added to one of my book boyfriends I will drool over it.
if you enjoy friends to lovers
friends with benefits
empowered female characters.
Sibling love read this it shall not disappoint.
also, who doesn't love demons, vampires, witches, and all the creatures you could dream of?

Also, I love the chapters that have actual titles not many do nowadays so very impressed, also the supernatural singles world glossary had me so excited to read. One of my favorites is Supernatural bounty hunter: less dog, and more Winchester brothers. I was obsessed with Dog the bounty hunter and watched every episode and every special made so seeing him in the book as a reference made my day. Also, Winchester is it just me or when anyone thinks of Sam and dean, they just picture dean screaming or dropping his pants saying pudding? getting way off topic, just give it a try if you love the supernatural world.

Thank you so much Net Galley and St. Martins Press for this eARC for an honest review.

Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 3 chilis
Series: Supernatural Singles #2
Pub Date: 2/7

April Asher has done it again! Not the Witch You Wed was one of my favorite reads of 2022, and Not Your Ex’s Hexes has already become a favorite of 2023.

I loved everything about this banter-filled, witty, steamy paranormal rom-com. Not The Witch You Wed introduced us to this urban fantasy world during a transition period for the Maxwell triplets. It focused on Violet’s struggles as a non-magical member of the family and her second chance romance with wolf shifter, Lincoln. In this second installment, we’re focused on Rose, who was Prima Apparent her entire life until plans changed. Now she needs to find something she loves to do, but nothing seems to stick. When she sees a few malnourished horses on the side of the road, she decides to liberate them and winds up sentenced to community service hours at an animal sanctuary. The sanctuary is run by the smokin’ hot, grumpy half-demon Damian, who just happens to be Rose’s one-night stand from months ago.

I love stories that start off with a one-night stand that eventually turns into more. Damian and Rose are so cute together, and I adored their grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The tension and chemistry between them are off the charts from the start, and the steam in this one is just perfection.

Who doesn’t love a broody MC who hates everyone but his girl? Damian is secretly a cinnamon roll, and the only thing he loves more than Rose might be the animals in his veterinary practice and sanctuary. And Rose is a total badass who takes on demons and other supernatural baddies in the interest of helping out the council and trying to find her “thing.” How Damian worries about her and lovingly refers to her as “little witch” made me melt.

I love these badass witches and can’t wait to see what Asher has in store for Olive, the third Maxwell triplet. Read this if you need a laugh-out-loud, steamy, witchy rom-com in your life that’s full of pop culture references and adorable animals. Thank you so much to April Asher and St. Martin’s Press for my physical #gifted copy! Not Your Ex’s Hexes is out on 2/7!

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

CWs: violence, injury detail, animal death (mentioned, off-page)

I really enjoyed reading this one. I liked the first book in the series, and I thought that this sequel was a lot of fun. Rose and Damian had some awesome chemistry, and I liked seeing their relationship grow and change.
The writing style is easy to follow and get sucked into this magical version of the world. I love the combination of Supernatural and Normal. The pacing moved along well. I did find it seemed to drag a little bit in the middle where it seemed as if some parts of the story were close to being wrapped up and new things were being introduced, but other than that it was a fun and balanced read with good character development.
I really liked Rose’s character, and her bond with her sisters is excellent. I also like her bond with her grandma. I thought the development of her relationship with Damian was written really well, and I really rooted for them. I connected with her character, and I liked how she was trying out different things to learn about herself.
The cast of other characters in the book was entertaining, and I found myself laughing a lot while reading. There were also moments of anger, sadness, excitement, and hope.
I loved all the little hints about Bax and Olive, and I’m really hoping theirs is the next book!

TLDR: Not Your Ex’s Hexes is the perfect Valentine’s Day read for fantasy lovers! This was an adorable rom-com for those who like to dabble with the supernatural.


Premise:
This book is the sequel in a rom-com supernatural series- Not Your Ex’s Hexes centers around the middle Maxwell triplet, Rose. The story follows up from the previous book regarding the oldest Maxwell tripet, Violet and her romance. The world-building for this book begins in the previous book, but Not Your Ex’s Hexes can be read as a standalone.

Rose has spent her entire life preparing to be the Prima-Apparant (the head witch in charge within the supernatural world.) Her eldest sister finally comes into her dormant witch powers which results in Rose relinquishing her previous obligations in becoming a world leader. Finally free for the first time in her life, Rose is figuring out where her life ambitions lead her. Rose fatefully meets Damian Adams- a grumpy and brooding half demon veterinarian. Rose and Damian collide in a steamy one-night stand that neither can forget about. Fate continues to bring them together and Rose unwittingly commits a crime which results in her performing community service under the supervision of Damian. Sparks continue to fly and neither Rose or Damian can deny the attraction to each other. The only thing stopping them is one little problem that haunts Damian from his teenage days- an ex who placed a soul hex on Damian cursing him from ever being able to fall in love at the expense of his humanity.


My Thoughts/Review:
April Asher completely shocked me with how much I loved this supernatural rom-com book! The premise sounded so promising and she delivered! Rose is strong and independent though a little lost- something I think that most people can relate to. Her journey of self-discovery and figuring out how to live life for herself was realistic and yet entertaining. Damian was such an amazing MMC- broody and grumpy yet a soft heart of gold under the rough exterior. The characters were witty and the chemistry was dynamic to read.

The plot moved along well and the book read at a great pace. The banter between Rose and Damian was charming and witty though there was quite a bit of it- the author could have cut several banter scenes and have left the same impression. However, the relationship between Rose and Damian was steamy and swoon-worthy. There were several spice scenes in the book that were well proportioned for a rom-com book- not too explicit and yet not cringy.

I actually found myself laughing and cracking a smile at quite a few places throughout the book. The characters were so engaging and I found myself loving every single one! Not Your Ex’s Hexes was a perfect romance read just in time for Valentine’s Day and I am so glad I was able to read it!


Thank you for NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin Publishing for sending me an eARC for my honest review of Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher- publishing on February 7th, 2023!

This is book 2 in the Supernatural Singles series. (The first book was Not the Witch You Wed.) It can be read as a stand alone but is best enjoyed as part of the series.
Rose is trying to find her place after stepping down as Prima Apparent. When she convinces her sisters to rescue some horses in danger and gets caught, Rose is forced to serve community service at the sanctuary where the horses reside. (She didn't know they had already been rescued.)
Damian is just trying to live his life alone and save some animals while doing it. If he wasn't hexed all those years ago, he may be looking for a wife but it is not in his cards. Having Rose serve her time at his sanctuary and vet practice does not bode well for him living a lonely existence.
Opinion
I'm a huge sucker for the supernatural romance books. After reading the first, I knew that I would want to finish this series to its end. Asher has a way of writing that leaves you in stitches one minute and crying the next. Emotions are hot in this book and it kept my emotions on a coaster ride. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves supernatural romance.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

In the second book in this series, Rose, the middle triplet, steps back from her previous role when her older sister, Violet, takes over as the witch Prima-in-waiting to their grandmother. Rose is also newly single as her ex-fiance's underhanded machinations were exposed in the first book and she is looking for a new path in life. However, a slight detour in the form of a one night stand with half-demon veterinarian, Damian, comes back to haunt her six months later when she tries to "liberate" some horses from his animal sanctuary under the mistaken impression they are being abused. When she's sentenced to community service at the sanctuary, she and Damian are forced into close proximity and quickly discover that the sparks that flew between them 6 months ago were not a one-time thing.

As Damian and Rose work together, and Rose discovers a new career path, as a supernatural bounty hunter, they agree to keep their relationship light but both Rose and Damian catch feelings pretty quickly. However, Damian is laboring under an old hex from a witch he dated in HS that means he can't risk finding love. Sometimes, it seemed as if the author was trying a bit too hard for a lighthearted tone and the plot was missing some intensity, but I enjoyed the fun, the banter, the cute animals, and the demon hunting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Rose Maxwell, the middle sister has a one night stand with Damian Adams, half demon veterinarian. The problem is she can’t stop thinking about him.

Her and her sisters try to “rescue” some horses but they get arrested and find out it was an animal sanctuary. Rose’s punishment is community service hours at the sanctuary. Turns out that owner of the animal sanctuary is none other than, you guessed it Damian, her one night stand. Damian and Rose try to ignore their attraction to each other but finally give in by having a friends with benefits arrangement. This arrangement works for both of them or does it?!😏.

Listen, I loved Not the Witch You Wed so when I got approved for Not Your Ex’s Hexes I was so excited!!! I LOVED THIS ONE MORE than the first book. I loved Rose and Damian! I laughed out loud so many times. Also, Damian 🥵 SIRRRRRRR (I said this a lot😅😏) I loved the banter between Damian and Rose! It was also so great to have the triplet dynamic again. I can’t wait for Olive’s story since it was set up in this book.

In my opinion, Not Your Ex’s Hexes was spicer than Not the Witch You Wed.

Tropes:
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Friends with benefits

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

April Asher returns to the supernatural world she created for a second book. The heroines of the stories are the Maxwell sisters who are witches and triplets. Rose is the second sister and trained her entire life to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. When minutes older sister Violet came into her powers in the last book Rose is displaced. She needs to find new interests for her abilities. After an incident with her sisters Rose is sentenced to community service at an animal sanctuary. If only it wasn’t run by vet Damian Adams who is half-Demon. She hooked up with once at a party and neither has forgot the other. Damian is hot and the attraction still sizzles between them. Eventually they agree to a friends with benefits arrangement but with no feelings. Damian was hexed as a teen to he can’t choose to be in love.

I really enjoyed the first book giving five stars. I was excited to be back with the characters and but a lot of the story feels very juvenile. Things like going without pants on the subway or the sisters continually partying. They’re in their 30’s but don’t behave it. The banter is almost non stop to the point I wanted someone to have a real conversation. I got weary of Damian always smirking. I checked, he is described that way 69 times. But I did like the passion between Rose and Ian and I think the steamy factor increased from the first book.

This is cute, playful and the story is very likable. But don’t expect tons of depth. I’m happy they found their soul mates and I’m looking forward to Olive’s romance. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 Stars)

Thank you NrtGalley and St Martin Press for the review copy!

This was a cute, fun, steamy, paranormal rom-com.

It's a genre I don't read very often and one that I have missed. It has all the ingredients for a quick, sparkly, feel good read.

I breezed through it and though I enjoyed it for the most part, it also had a bit of "been there, read that a thousand times" vibe, when it came to the romantic plot (strangers to no-strings attached f buddies to lovers to oops we caught feelings to you deserve better than me to grand gesture to I can't live without you to Mates), that unfortunately made me gradually lose interest towards the end. It felt cheesy, cliche and repetitve. Sorry...

So while I don't think it was the right fit for me, it has all the potential, quirks, banter and sexy times that I am sure will appeal to many readers - especially the ones who like a little magic, soulmates bonding and demonic Winchesters Brothers style action thrown into their usual rom-com agenda.

The characters are likeable, fun and their wit and romance are sizzling the pages. Rose is fun, feisty and a badass witch trying to find her path. Damian is a grumpy half demon half human who lives in a constant battle between his two halves - one dark, one caring, easy going, deliciously sexy.

A grumpy/sunshine rom-com in a modern world filled with supernaturals and a fun cast of characters that makes you wish you had a witches triad, grumpy demons and angelic hunters in your corner.

I am curious though how the next story is going to play out, given the hints we got (enemies to roommates to lovers? Count me in!) so I may give that one a go to, when I'm in the mood for a light, easy, supernatural kind of read.

I love a good witchy romance. Especially if you add in more supernaturals.

This is the second book of this fun/spicy series and tbh it was pretty long ago, but I actually preferred this one.

The series follow the Maxwell triplets who are part of one of the most powerful witch families. This one is about Rose who was supposed to be the Prima, but when Violet came into her powers she passed the position over to her. This book was a lot about Rose figuring out what her purpose was and what she should do with her life.

We did not know Damian from book #1, but he was a grumpy half demon veterinarian so obviously, we are here for it. But he did have a ton of baggage, as well as the titular "ex hex" that I wish got explained a little better. But that might be just me.

This series is a great spicy read if you like that! A great example of friends with benefits.

I am intrigued with Bax and Olive and their roommate situation. I hope that's the next book!

As much as I wanted to love the continuation of this story there was just some things that didn’t work for me as well as I was hoping. There was some chunky dialogue that felt like it wanted to be campy but went too far and was just a little more out there than strictly necessary.

Personally I love a romance with a little more tension and higher stakes but I can definitely see the benefit for people who enjoy the cozy fantasy romances who don’t want all of the other elements that can sometimes crop up in this particular sub genre. While it didn’t work for me I know a lot of people love it and will enjoy this book immensely because that’s what they are specifically looking for.

Lastly I didn’t believe these characters were in their mid 30’s. They felt like college aged kids with the way they talked to each other and interacted with the majority of the others. I wanted to embrace it but I needed a little bit more from them both mentally.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: February 7,2023

Not Your Exes Hexes is the second in a series by April Asher. These can be read standalone though as I requested this one from NetGalley not realizing it was a series and had no issues getting into the story! In fact, I liked it so much I’m going to grabbing the first book to add to my ever growing TBR.

Rose Maxwell is a witch, not just any witch but one that comes from a long line of great witches. In fact, she was training to become the next Prima witch for years until her older sister finally found her magic.

Now that Rose isn’t next in line for the Prima, she’s a bit lost on what she does want to do with her life. Leading a botched animal rescue attempt, Rose gets sentenced to community service at an animal rescue centre run by a very grumpy demon Damian.

Neither Rose or Damian are looking for a long term relationship but their attraction to each other is undeniable. Striking up a deal to enter into a friends with benefits arrangement (no feelings allowed), they think they have both the animal rescue centre and their relationship under control.

This is a great supernatural romance with some spice and a great supporting cast of characters. I’m hooked on the series and will be looking for the other instalment to add to my list. This was a 4 star for me!

#NetGalley #notyourexeshexes #aprilasher

Loved the first book in the series and this was excellent as well! Excited to read more from this author in the future!

Not Your Ex’s Hexes
2/5 ⭐️‘s

I don’t think this series is for me, sadly 😭 Since I don’t love DNFing arcs, I did force myself to push through this one, but it was…a journey 🥴

I was actually the most excited for Rose’s story, but something about it just really missed the mark. I had a hard time believing these characters were in there 30’s because so much of the plot and dialogue just seemed kind of immature and awkward 😅

All that being said, I do think there are plenty of people who would really enjoy this series because of the paranormal/fantasy/romance aspects to it, so don’t let my review deter you if that’s your kind of book!

Thank you sm to netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review <3

This book was incredible! It outperformed its predecessor, which is normally difficult to do. The writing style is fun and kept me interested the whole way through, the characters are well-developed, & the relationships are tangible - not even just the main characters but the whole cast and crew.

A half-demon veterinarian with a heart of gold and bad boy past and a recently deposed Prima whose previously entirely controlled & planned out life is handed back to her walk into a bar....there is no punchline only sparks flying literally everywhere.

This read was genuinely just very fun and very swoony, it knew when to give banter and it knew when to give seriousness. I know this book will be a constant reread for me, it's perfect for spooky season and hits a bunch of trope sweet spots because they were executed so well!

5 stars easily!

This little genre of cute romantic fantasy is one of my favorites, and this series is a pretty good example of why I enjoy the genre.

When I saw that the sequel to Not the Witch You Wed was available on NetGalley, I was pretty excited. I really enjoyed the first book; I thought that Violet was a great character with interesting development and I was excited to see what came next for Rose after dumping the ex that was oddly accurately referred to as Pepe Le Pee Yew.

Let me start by saying, I liked this book less than the first one, but I still liked it. Rose and Damian just didn't grab me the same way that Violet and Lincoln did, but parts of their story were still very fun and interesting, and I was definitely rooting for them and their happily ever after. The setting of the animal sanctuary was something that I found to be a great choice made by the author, because it complemented the magic system and personalities of the characters well.

Speaking of the magic system, I think that the magic in this series is really well created and compelling, and the way that it was further fleshed out in this book was enjoyable and not too over the top. I like the niche genre of magic that is still within the modern world, just with a little magical twist, and this series does that really well.

The spice in this book wasn't the spiciest but was very good for what it was, and the little plot twist towards the end wasn't too shocking but was still very interesting and made me excited to find out how they were going to resolve the issue.

Overall, this book was not as good as the first in the series, but was still an enjoyable read. I'm already excited for the next book in this world!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

If you’re looking for some paranormal romance in your life, do we have the series for you! Not Your Exes Hexes is the second book in the Supernatural Singles series by April Asher. Definitely read Not the Witch You Wed to get introduced to this supernatural world and the Magical Triad of Violet, Rose & Olive.  

Rose is the middle triplet who has just stepped away from her role as the Prima Apparent. She’s a bit lost in what to do with her life now that it isn’t mapped out for her. Damian is a half demon reformed bad boy vet running from his past. They have a hot and steamy one night stand. And like any one night stand they think they would never see each other again. But of course, life doesn’t work that way and after a failed rescue mission, they get thrown together.

Don't let the cover fool you - this was steamy with a capital S! What started off as a temporary fling quickly turned to a forced working environment where they couldn't avoid each other. Once they decided they would dip their toes into a friends with benefits relationship everything got a bit more complicated! 

Damian really struggles with his past and is weighed down by a hex and what it means. We loved the different dynamics between siblings. Rose has a supportive and loving relationship with her two sisters while Damian has a combative relationship with his brother because of their difficult upbringing. And we can't forget the Hunter aspect of the story which gave us some Buffy vibes which adds some danger and fun to the book. 

We can’t wait to read about Olive and her love life!

What we liked:
▪️Curvy FMC
▪️Forced proximity 
▪️Blending of supernaturals and norms (living out in the open)
▪️All the sibling relationships + friendships between different supernaturals 
▪️Continuation from Not the Witch You Wed (the ending kicked off this book)
▪️The hex twist

What we didn’t like:
▪️Rose was a bit of a know it all

Damian plus Rose equals steamy magic.
I liked how Damian really got under Rose’s skin and how she went out of her way to bug him.
Their chemistry is palatable and their differences wouldn’t dare keep them apart.
There’s always a way around a hex, especially if the antidote is love.
Dive into this whimsical witchy magical realism read.
I got a good huge laugh out of the glossary at the end.

This series is so fun. I love these characters and the setting. Cannot wait to read the next book. I hope it comes out soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the ARC.

I didn't realize that this book was a sequel when I picked up the ARC. But I read both in one sitting for context purposes. While I would say that this one has enough plot that stands alone, there are enough references to book 1 that it is likely required reading prior to this one.

Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a trope filled witchy/half demon delight of a book filled with fun banter, a Buffy-esque demon fight, and a one night stand to lovers story that included adopting puppies. It was very sweet to see all the facets of Damian the half demon as he worked through a curse placed on him 18 years ago and to see how the middle Maxwell witch fared after stepping down from a role that she had been working towards her whole life and faced with the prospect of figuring out what she wanted to do with the rest of it.

It was cute, it was sweet. There were a few instances where I felt the language that was used was a bit juvenile, but not enough to detract from the story as a whole. Both this book and the first book are great for fulfilling a witchy contemporary romcom fix.