Member Reviews
This was definitely a quick, fun read that was very enjoyable. I love the chaos that seems to follow Poppy around. It makes her much more relatable! Plus having magic Rapunzel-like hair is pretty cool too! Alex is a mortal magician who gets tangled (pun intended) up with Poppy and her cursed necklace. The chemistry between Alex and Poppy happens really fast but is really sweet. I loved the twists and turns and original storyline. I really great book I would recommend for a quick romantic read! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Hex and the City by new to me author K. Johnson, published by Harper Collins / One More Chapter is a witty and fun rom/ com.
Poppy is a witch with many talents, hair like Rapunzel, works at a magic shop.
Nope, she's clumsy like a smurf, is a mess most of the day, is a terrible cook on a good day, you get the picture.
And to top it off, she sells a cursed pedant to a celebrity magician, gorgeous Axl Storm.
So what can go wrong ?? Everything, every little thing is.
An entertaining well written read, 4 beautiful stars.
Sex and the city meets hocus pocus.
The characters are so witty and charming and adorably awkward at times. I loved them!
There's the usual dose of drama that has lead the main characters to where there are now, and it feels like it could be plucked right from a sitcom. Humorous, but not so far-fetched it couldn't have really happened (if you remove the fantasy element of course!).
This leads to one set of chaos after another and an eventual journey around great Britain with our leads roommates (also witches).
Honestly, this book had me laughing out loud and there were enough twists and turns, and palpable tension to keep me turning pages all the way though. I'd highly recommend!
I thought it was cute. It had enough sultry and interesting parts. I especially loved the accidental s*x travel
This ones was fun, I like it a bit more than the first one, I like the story and the easy going on. Also all the magic is awesome and I love how the author creates her stories , they are always fun and entertaining
Really enjoyed this one. Super fun witchy romance book. Loved all the fun witches in the coven and the two main characters.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Hex and the City' by Kate Johnson.
'Hex and the City' is the second witchy Kate Johnson Arc I have received and this one doesn't disappoint. Loveable characters, intriguing plot and magical world and its quick to read? What more could you want in a romance?
I am so excited to see where Kate goes next - if she keeps going on with this type of series.
Alex may be a magician but Poppy is a witch and when these two meet well sparks and the London fire and ghosts and something even more wicked this way come. Poppy is adorkable and Rapunzel-ish. Alex has abs of steel and a manbun. So of course they are meant to be and will take no questions. If you liked Hex Appeal you will love this book.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so fun I just read it in a single sitting! Fun and fast-paced, Hex and the City was exactly what I'm looking for from a spooky rom-com and will be a perfect autumn read.
Poppy is a witch who accidentally sells celebrity magician Axl a cursed pendant.... Of course, she falls in love with Axl....
A fun light-hearted story. Love this magic world... I enjoy the Rapunzel bits especially. The discussions about gender and sexuality were interesting without it being too heavy. Poppy is a charming a character and makes me laugh... a fun story overall.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this arc!
WOW. I loved this book. I knew I would love it from the title. I am a big sex and the city fan and this just felt like this. Sex and the city (witch's version). lol. I loved the bi-representation as well. The romance was cute but it wasn't the full story which I loved. I hope this becomes a series because I love a good witch city series.
Hex and the City is about Poppy who is a witch who accidentally sells a cursed pendent to Axl Storm a celebrity magician. I really enjoyed this book! This is the the second book I’ve ready by Kate Johnson and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading both of them. I really liked the premise and was hooked from the very beginning. I didn’t want to put this book down. This book is released September 14, 2023. Thank you to Netgalley, Kate Johnson and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Hex and the City by Kate Johnson
Fantasy
5/5 stars
This is a story about a young girl who works at a magic shop. She meets a 'famous' man who she accidentally sells something to that she did not intend to. In trying to get that item back, chaos ensues and follows wherever she goes. It's not just a story about a witch.
It's a story about a woman and man learning to navigate their world, their truth, together and truly accepting and trusting one another.
I absolutely adored this story and cannot wait for its release September 2023. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then go to Amazon or where ever you purchase books and add this to your wish list immediately.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was not expecting everything that was packed into this book when I settled down to read. We had witches, magic, curses, ghosts, mummies, time travel, history lessons, and more... not including the actual romance plot. It was a bit much, but there was something for everyone if you're into paranormal romances.
Poppy was a shining star of a hot mess that was so endearing. She was delightfully straightforward and charming, despite having an accident every 2.5 seconds. I loved her persistence and resilience in the face of danger and was rooting for her to understand her powers and find her way in the magical world.
"There is nothing wrong with being chaotic. Iris had said that to her shortly after Poppy moved in. Chaos is necessary and healthy for growth, it brings creativity and breathes new life into stale order." - Poppy
Alex's character was a disappointment, though he begrudgingly grew on me. His personality started and ended at dazzling, vain man whore. Although we learn more about his childhood as an explanation for his actions, it didn't justify the mistreatment of his constant sexual train of partners. In general, I'm not a fan of the man whore trope, but Alex's actions were worse in that he only felt bad about leading women on when it bit him in the bum - and still, he couldn't stop until Poppy came around.
The third-act drama was predictable, but I always appreciate a little angst in my romance books. You can’t have everything be smooth sailing, waves need to break things up every once and awhile. After they finally got over their issues, Poppy and Alex were so cute together. The last chapter was by far my favorite part of the book and honestly, I'd love a sequel based on it alone.
"He was still looking at her as the director called, 'Action', so the first shot of the show was Alex gazing at her with adoration." - Poppy
Overall, I loved the storyline idea of Poppy and her magic more than I loved the romance. I struggled to root for Poppy and Alex's relationship for 80% of the book, however, it totally could have been a 'me' problem. There were many progressive narratives about gender and sexuality that I absolutely applaud, and Poppy herself was a gem. If you like quirky female characters who are a little unsure of themselves but forge ahead anyways, and don't mind a guy who may or may not deserve her, this book may be for you.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity.
I absolutely love Kate Johnson. The write fantastic books and this one was just as good as the last.
Chaos follows Poppy everywhere so when she meets illusionist Axl it’s hardly a surprise that things don’t go smoothly.
This felt like a mix of the magic key adventures from my youth mixed with a rom com. The adventures felt a bit silly at times but the romance was cute with funny banter and lots of chemistry
“The man could put on a cow onesie, complete with udders, and still seduce a nun without breaking a sweat.”
Both characters backgrounds play a lot into their personalities and I liked that we got to see some of that stripped back as they got to know each other more.
Shout out to Poppy’s vicar mum who just takes everything in her stride.
Overall I thought this was an endearing romance that kept me wanting to read on. I wish it had been a little spicier though.
Hex and the City is the second novel in the 'Hex ... ' series by Kate Johnson and although there is some overlap of characters, is it not necessary to read the books in order. The first novel is Hex Appeal and introduces us to Essie Winterscale and her family (found family mostly) as they try to live in harmony with the non-magical world around them.
In Hex in the City, our protagonist is Poppy, a witch with hair that Rapunzel would envy and magical powers that are usual chaotic. And of course, being a romantic comedy, we have the 'romantic interest' in one celebrity magician Axl Storm. Our intrepid duo are drawn together to retrieve a amulet that Poppy has accidentally cursed and their problems seem to escalate with every adventure.
I did laugh out loud while reading Hex and the City - the novel is exactly what it claims to be - a funny, magical romance, the type of lighthearted read that lifts your spirits and makes you feel good.
Poppy’s chaos and the antics of the witches of London had me constantly grinning. Kate Johnson’s writing has you fully immersed in the characters and scenes. Hilarious and fun, pandemonium-inducing protagonist + a quick highly entertaining read. Cauldrons are optional 😉
This was such a fun read! I loved the fast moving plot points and crazy adventure that was still sweet and managed to develop complex characters.
A great read for when you want something light hearted but still a unique story.
It was an okay read, definitely to try if you don't mind the third person POV and a character all over the place.
Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Poppy was way too chaotic and maybe childish, it was a struggle to follow her antics. The ending was a bit predictable but not bad overall.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.