Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom is a heartfelt, witchy story set in Willow Root, Texas that centers on the Merriweather family. The Merriweather matriarch, Grandma Maddie, is pretty sure about two things: they were once witches and every man they love dies. Cordelia (Delia) Merriweather is trying to find her place in the world when Max Halifax takes up residence next door. Max knows the secret of the Merriweathers -- they are witches but they've been hexed over the centuries by none other than his own ancestor. He is tasked with making sure Delia, the Blue Witch, doesn't break the hex before her 30th birthday. No one told him that he'd also have to navigate his growing feelings for her too.

I had a really fun time reading Hot Hex Boyfriend. I loved getting to drop into this little witchy town and learn about the magic system and the history of the Merriweathers. I was pleasantly surprised that the book didn't go through the same cycles as other books in this genre and that most conflict was handled really quickly and smoothly. It feels like the PERFECT cozy witchy book to read on a blustery day (although right now its 89 degrees out). I hope the author writes more Willow Root witch books but as of now it seems like this is a standalone story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book of witches, folklore and romance. The author made me want to hang out with the Merriweather family and sing karaoke into a wooden spoon. It was pure fun! I'm a new reader to this author but don't plan to hold that status for long.

3.5/5
Delia Merriweather has always been told that she was a witch. Someone had put a hex on her family many years ago that took away their magic and it was up to her to break the hex. She didn't believe any of it until after her thirtieth birthday and the hex was broken and magic started to wreak havoc for her and her family. With the help of their grumpy neighbor Max who is also a witch and unbeknownst to her part of the family that hex her family, they start to learn about their magic. He is supposed to rehex the Merriweather's but after getting to know them and falling for Delia he doesn't think they deserve that.

This was cute, with a bit of humor in a small town setting. Delia had a bubbly personality full of southern charm and Max was her slightly grumpy counterpart. Her aunts and grandma were funny, always up to something. One of my favorite characters was Nikki, he was the familiar of Max's uncle. He's an imp that can take a cat or human form and he was funny too, always sneaking up to people but was honest and sweet. One thing that threw me off a bit was that despite max and his family being intelligent powerful witches they didn't know a lot about "mundane" things. Like how to use a blender, cut a tomato or what a devil egg was, hiis dad didn't even know what a brownie was. The explanation for this was that they lived in their own magical community where everything is done with magic, no need to learn this things. But considering that they do travel and it is set in the modern world they should have come across some if this things. The story was also a bit predictable with who was gonna be the villain and all but overall it was an easy fall read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

"You don't fall in love. It's not like tripping over a fucking rock and landing on your face."

(ain't it kinda like that, though?)

Max knows things Delia doesn't know.
He knows Delia and her family are actually powerful witches, he knows the hex her eccentric aunties prattle on about is real, and he knows the Concilium (the governing body over all witches) wants the hex to stay in place and their secrets kept. But the more he learns about Delia and the hex placed on her family, the more he regrets the laws he swore to uphold. Can love conquer all?

tropes:
magic/witches
forbidden romance
colorful side characters (with secrets)

Steam:
1.5 explicit scenes. Some non-explicit steam as well.

content warnings:
mocking of native culture (see what I didn't like)

What I liked:
I loved Nikki. But... he was the only character I liked, oops.

What I didn't like:
Burning of white sage referred to as "new-age malarky". White sage is sacred to a number of native american tribes, and smudging with it actually has a long history among indigenous americans. These white lady witches are not only appropriating an aspect of native culture, but proceed to mock it. Are you for real, Carly Bloom?
Also, this quote: "Nikki draped the jacket carefully over his arm as if it weren't a piece of crap (Luc never visited the Stray Lands without hitting every thrift store within reach)". As an avid thrifter, this puts me off SO MUCH. Thrifting is environmentally friendly-- a quick google search informs me that an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is created each year. Thrifting is good for the environment, it's budget friendly, it's fun. But I guess it's not bougie enough for this author?
Those quotes put me off SO MUCH. But aside from that, to actually dig into the story:
I don't buy their love story. The way they broke the hex was ridiculous and took a lot longer to come around than I thought it would. Their relationship doesn't feel organic, but rather forced, and looks a lot more like mutual attraction than it does any significant romance. Of course the fact that neither of them are given a real reason to have strong feelings does not prevent them from professing them. If someone said that stuff to me that early after meeting them, I'd be worried that person was going through my garbage and keeping a secret basement room with my photos taped to the walls.
I dislike almost every character. Max's parents' personalities do a total 180 super fast.
Realistically, I might've liked this book a lot more if it didn't give the vibe that it was written by and old, rich, white american with a superiority complex. I finished this book out of obligation only after getting an ARC copy.
2.5 stars rounded down.

Hot Hex Boyfriend is a cute and quirky romance with just the right mix of humor and witchy elements.

I thought the cover for this book was really cute and eye-catching and the synopsis captured my interest almost immediately. As someone who LOVES fall, it's never too early to dive into fall reads and this book put me right in the fall state of mind. The romance between Max and Delia doesn't disappoint either. It's sweet with just the right amount of spice.

If I had to make one complaint it would be that the beginning of the story was a bit slower than I would have liked. It took me a bit to get into the story, but despite the struggles I had in the beginning, I could tell this book had great potential and I'm really glad I stuck with it.

If you're looking for a fun and unique take on the supernatural, you won't want to miss this quirky romance featuring an over-the-top family, that can't be missed. Hot Hex Boyfriend is a really cute story and I'm glad to have checked it out.

This was such a cute, cozy, and witchy read. It reminded me of Practical Magic, which is one of my favorite fall movies. I love a book that can make me laugh, and the antics were perfect.
Grumpy/sunshine ✅
Found family ✅
2/5 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC!

Delia has always grown up with her family believing they are witches, except she knows she isn’t. Sometimes, it’s just best to let her family believe they are witches while she tries to navigate her new business career. And it doesn’t hurt that she can start her career by staging the next-door neighbor's house. She just needs to warm up to Max, who is a bit cold and gloomy.

Max just wants to move on when he was ordered to clean his uncle's house and watch over the Delia family until the hex prophecy passes over. Too bad, he catches feelings for Delia no matter how hard he fights it. He can’t resist Delia's charms or her personality, which draws him in. It’s going to be a bit messy when things go off the rail as the Delia family, including herself, discover they are witches. 

I will say that the chemistry between Delia and Max may seem a bit rushed and sudden when they barely interact with each other until later on. Thankfully, the Delia and Max connection picks up when they spend more time together. They are truly the cutest, even though they are opposite each other.

I kind of got a bit annoyed with Max's parents. They are a bit annoying and cold toward Max and his siblings. It makes sense how Max behaves in the beginning, given the way he was raised. I wish their repairmen took more than being rushed in the end. 

Literally, this book screams practical magic with bits of gilmore girls vibes. It’s such a cute read for the fall season. I literally read this book in one sitting.

Okay, this was my first book by this author and I absolutely LOVED it! Right from the beginning, I got so much spooky season/witchy coziness. Even in the heat of summer, this brought me right to fall time. This book was funny, charming, and I loved the characters so much. Delia's family was so kooky and I loved Max, Luc, and Nikki. I really liked how the family had lost their powers and their whole journey on getting them back, even though so many people didn't even believe they were witches including some of their own. I flew through this and finished it within a few hours, honestly it was just so much fun! I also loved Delia and Max together, they were adorable. The book is told in both of their POVs, so that was an added bonus! I could definitely see another book in this world and I would love that so much! I was not ready to leave it. If you enjoy the vibes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Ex Hex, and Practical Magic, I really think you will love this one too!

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

Carly Bloom's "Hot Hex Boyfriend" is a delightful brew of romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Delia, the protagonist, is a relatable heroine – a cynic thrust into the world of witchcraft thanks to a clumsy but well-meaning hex-removal. Her journey of self-discovery and fumbling magic is entertaining, and her interactions with the frustratingly handsome Max provide a sizzling slow-burn romance.

The story shines with its witty dialogue and quirky characters. The idea of a family lineage of powerless witches adds a unique twist, and the world-building around witches and their hidden society is intriguing. There's a good balance between the lighthearted rom-com aspects and the reveal of Delia's true potential.

While the plot is engaging, it does meander a bit at times. The pacing could be tighter in the middle section, and some of the side characters felt underdeveloped. However, the charm of the central romance and the humorous situations keep the pages turning.

Overall, "Hot Hex Boyfriend" is a fun and heartwarming read. Fans of romantic comedies with a magical touch will find themselves grinning along with Delia's mishaps and cheering for her happily ever after. It's a solid 4-star read that leaves you wanting more adventures from the Merriweather witches.

I'm a sucker for a witchy romance so this one was right up my alley! This was a sexy, fun, and very funny story. Great world building and lovable, memorable main characters. My one nitpick is that I had a little bit of trouble keeping track of the women in Delia's family - with a Mom and a Grandmother, maybe there was one too many aunts? But that's a very minor complaint I loved the story, loved the romance - and there was even some intrigue and suspense to keep those pages turning.

As other reviewers have said, I hope this turns out to be the first of a series - I'd love to go back and revisit the witches of Willow Root! (Maybe a romance for Amy next?)

Charming fiction book giving cozy fall vibes. A witchy romance that was a quick, comforting read where I really felt like I got to know all the characters, and what made them tick, well. Great read!

Hot Hex Boyfriend is a stand-alone paranormal romance novel written by Carly Bloom.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Spice level:🌶️

Cordelia “Delia” (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witch, Interior Designer

Max (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witch

When Max’s uncle passes away, he is tasked with visiting a small town in Texas to pack up his possessions and sell the house.

While there, Max meets the family of women who live next door that just so happen to be the family of witches that were hexed by his family many generations ago. Cordelia and her family are quirky, but she never believed the stories of the hex and magical abilities.

Now that Max and Delia are spending time together, strange things are happening and questions are starting to get asked.

With the help of Max’s straight laced family, Delia’s quirky family, a paranormal town, and a delightful familiar named Nikki, Max and Delia have to figure out how to break the hex and overcome a evil entity.

This is an entertaining paranormal themed story with amazing characters and Halloween vibes!

Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

**Book Review: Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom**

Rating: ★★★★☆

"Hot Hex Boyfriend" by Carly Bloom is a delightful blend of magic, romance, and humor that will keep readers thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Bloom weaves a charming narrative that explores the whimsical world of witches while delivering a heartwarming love story.

The protagonist, Delia Merriweather, is a character many can relate to. As a child, she believed in her family's magical heritage, only to grow up and dismiss it as fantasy. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally breaks a hex, restoring her family's magical powers. This forces Delia to reevaluate her beliefs and embrace her identity as a witch. Her journey of self-discovery is both humorous and touching, making her a character you can't help but root for.

Max, the handsome neighbor, adds an intriguing layer to the story. Tasked with helping the Merriweather women control their newfound powers, he finds himself entangled in Delia's life in more ways than one. The chemistry between Delia and Max is palpable, filled with witty banter and tender moments. Max's internal struggle—questioning whether his feelings for Delia are genuine or a result of her magic—adds depth to his character and keeps the reader engaged.

Bloom's writing shines with her ability to create a vivid and enchanting world. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated into the plot, making the supernatural events feel both fantastical and believable. The Merriweather family's magical mishaps provide plenty of comedic moments, adding a light-hearted touch to the narrative.

One of the standout features of "Hot Hex Boyfriend" is Bloom's humor. Her sharp, clever writing ensures that the story remains light-hearted and entertaining, even as the characters face their magical challenges. The supporting cast, including Delia's quirky family members, adds richness and humor to the story, making it a well-rounded read.

While the plot follows some predictable romantic comedy tropes, the journey is so enjoyable that it hardly matters. The book is a charming escape into a world where magic and romance intertwine seamlessly.

In conclusion, "Hot Hex Boyfriend" is a delightful and magical romantic comedy that will leave readers enchanted. Carly Bloom's engaging writing, lovable characters, and humorous storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of magic.

*DISCLAIMER* This is NOT a paid review. This was a voluntary early access read made possible by NetGalley the Publisher and Author Carly Bloom. I want to extend a huge thank you for allowing me access to this E-Arc! I hope my review provides helpful insight.

*PLATFORMS* This review is available on Barnes & Nobles (if applicable), Amazon, Walmart, NetGalley, GoodReads & Facebook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Carly Bloom, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

I really enjoyed this witchy rom-com. It definitely has all the cozy vibes. It’s going to be a great fall read for people who have enjoyed the Ex Hex, Practical Magic and Not the Witch You Wed!

I would recommend it!

Cordelia "Delia" Merriweather comes from a family of witches - or at least that's what her family thinks - but Delia is convinced there's no such thing and there's certainly not a drop of magic in their veins. Sure she's got a weird birthmark that marks her as the Blue Witch, the one destined too break the hex on her family and free their magic once more, but no matter how many times they've made the "potion" mean to free them it never works. Ergo, she is not the Blue Witch, she's just a soon-to-be thirty year-old women trying to get her interior design business off the ground. So when her neighbor's nephew, Max, comes to town after his uncle's death, Delia is determined stag the job of staging the house for prospective buyers. Sure he might be a bit of an ass, but this is just the boost her business needs. What she doesn't know is that Max isn't just here to clear out the old house, he's been sent to keep an eye on the Merriweather family, specifically their Blue Witch.

Perfect for the fall, this is a delightfully fun tale of magic, family, and love. I adored Delia and her southern charm, and her love for her family was so heartwarming. Honestly I wish they'd popped up a bit more often because they were wonderfully entertaining! The romance was sweet (with a bit of spice), but I'm not sure it particularly stood out compared to the rest of the story. I think I just loved the magic bits so much that I was always looking forward to those scenes more than any others. Overall a pleasant read with a charming cast of characters.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

While Im certainly a mood reader, I for some reason cant wait to read anything fall related and this book came at the right time. The plot was absolutely adorable and I fell immediately in love with all the aunts. I could feel like I was part of this town and that was a win. The neighbor felt also very familiar. What I loved most about this book, was that I can picture it so clearly in my head, that I can say I can see in on the screen one day (hopefully soon!)

I read this book in a day and will be absolutely telling everyone about it to ensure it gets added to the their TBR asap!

Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for this ARC, I laughed and have so much hilarious stuff highlighted. I love the witchy vibes, so many jokes & Delia has a great personality and wanted the best for everyone. I absolutely fell in love with every single character in the book including max and luc. The spice was top notch too. 🔥🔥🔥

Hot Hex Boyfriend is a spooky romcom perfect for the upcoming fall weather. If you enjoy books with a little bit of romance and a little bit of magic, this is the book for you.

Getting ready for Halloween with some fun flirty romance reads? This one is for you!

Thank you to Netgalley for a gifted copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is really fun! I had read Carly Bloom's previous series and loved it, so I was excited to see what she'd do with witches. I liked the characters here very much - Delia and Amy were a lot of fun as friends, and Max was a handsome and dashing MMC. Bloom did a great job with the world-building here, and I found the witch mythology she'd created around these families really interesting. It's just enough to be really exciting, without pitching the story over the cliff into romantasy (which is a plus for me). Plus, the book is really funny - the families are great context, the circumstances of breaking the hex are delightful, and Delia's and Max's reactions to all of it help flesh out their characters. I gave it four stars instead of five because there were a couple places where I felt like maybe it moved a little too fast over something and I wanted to know more. However, it would be very cool if this were the start of a series because I could easily see where other character pairings might be laid out for future installments.

Thanks to the publisher for the eARC!