This was PERFECT. I laughed literally in the first 5 pages and didn’t stop until the end. The right amount of witchy and romantic, and the witch lines weren’t hard to follow. Every side character had a purpose in moving the plot along. But..I want to see Luc and Amy have a romance, I sensed vibes between them

The Merriweather women have always been witches. Delia had been taught that as a child. She was a Merriweather woman, so she was a witch. That was just how it worked. The only problem is that they have no magic. The story in the family is that they are hexed, and that’s why they have no magic. It went back many generations, and they try to break the hex with potions and spells. But they are just not powerful enough.

Until now.

Now there is a Blue Witch in the family. Delia was born under a blue moon, and she has a distinctive birthmark. Her grandmother and aunts have been hoping her powers would emerge since she’d been 18. But now she’s almost 30, and she’s given up on all ideas of witchcraft. She no longer believes in magic. She studied to be an interior designer, and she’s only interested in staging houses for her realtor mother to sell and to made people’s homes more comfortable.

Delia has her sights on the house next door. Harrison Hartwell had been their neighbor for her entire life, until he died suddenly. The Merriweathers had been trying to catch his cat Nikki ever since, so they could feed him and take care of him, but he is elusive. Now Max Halifax, Hartwell’s cousin, is staying in the house and clearing it out. Delia has decided to pitch her staging services to him, even though he’s not been very friendly. But it’s a big house and would be quite a coup for Delia if she could get the job.

Max had always loved visiting his uncle in Willow Root, Texas. This time was different though. For one thing, his uncle had died. And for another, he was tasked with keeping an eye on the Merriweather women next door because if somehow they figured out how to reverse the hex that his ancestors had put on the family, the power balance of the Concilium, the governing body of witches. And then Delia, the supposed Blue Witch, asks him to stage the house. He can’t believe his luck. Keeping an eye on her just got so much easier.

But while the Merriweathers don’t have the kind of magic that Max has, they do have their own hospitality. They make sure Max and his brother Luc are well fed and enjoying themselves, as much as they can under these circumstances. But this causes more problems, as Max and Delia are clearly falling for each other. But that can’t happen. Because along with the supposed hex that kept the Merriweathers from accessing their magical powers, there is also a curse that meant any man the Merriweather women loved would meet with a horrible fate. So if Delia really cares about Max, she’ll let him go before he is lost to some terrible fate.

But the more they learn about the magical underpinnings of the towns where they both live, the more Max and Delia realize that there is more at stake than just one family’s magic or a relationship between the two of them. The entire witching world is under attach, and they may be the only ones who can set things aright again.

Hot Hex Boyfriend is a rom com set in the world of witches. There are a lot of genuinely sweet moments, laugh-out loud adventures, and Texas hospitality. These characters are charming but stuck in generational trauma that keep them from flourishing. There is a lot going on in this book, layers of storylines that seem to go on and on, but the writing is engaging, and the ending is powerful.

I listened to Hot Hex Boyfriend as an audio book, narrated in turns by Laura Knight Keating and Zion Jang. Going back and forth between the voices of Delia and Max add a lot to this story, since they are showing up from such different places and different perspectives. I though Keating especially did an amazing job to bring Delia to life with her Texas accent and enthusiasm. And Jang made Max’s seriousness and dedication to his mission so present as he told his half of the story. Together, they made the story come together in a lovely, balanced way, and listening to them was a joy.

I had a lot of fun with Hot Hex Boyfriend. There is a lot of witch world rules to keep straight, but since Delia is new to it all too, she helps make sure everyone is on the same page, and her friends are quick to jump in and help explain things. The chemistry between Delia and Max is sparkling, and the characters around them are fun, adorable, and surprising, and I would not be upset at all to find myself reading another book set in this world. If you’re into witches and love a good rom com, you’ll want to made sure to add this one to your list. Make a margarita, grab some queso and chips, and dig right in. It will cast a spell on you!

Egalleys for Hot Hex Boyfriend were provided by Forever, and an early copy of the audio book was provided by Hachette Audio, both through NetGalley, with many thanks.

First off I gotta say that this book was actually pretty funny. I very seldom ever find enjoyment in romcom humor (This could be a me problem. The jury is still out.) but Carly Bloom pulled it off here. I could see this being a fall comfort read.
Heartwarming and (southern!) charming- one of my new favorite contemporary romances.

🎶 All my hexes live in Texas 🎶
☕️ I really need this jingle on a coffee cup!

If Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Bewitched had a baby, it would be Hot Hex Boyfriend! I absolutely loved this paranormal romance between witches.

It’s not quite fall here in California, but this book transported me into the cozy Texas atmosphere where we meet Delia Merriweather and her quirky family. Delia doesn’t believe in magic, but her family is adamant that Delia is a blue witch because of a birthmark and they’re confident that they can cook up a potion to break the hex placed on their family. The Merriweather women believe they’re hexed because all the men in their lives have tragically died. Unbeknownst to them, they really are witches and their late neighbor had given them a secret spell book to break the hex but he passed away.

Max Helifax has moved in next door to settle his uncle’s estate and to keep an eye on the Merriweather’s to make sure Delia doesn’t break the hex on her thirtieth birthday. Max who’s normally arrogant and standoffish has developed feelings for Delia and he could be the missing piece to breaking the ancient hex. ✨

Having loved Carly Bloom's cowboy series, I had high expectations for this. Sadly, I wasn't into it. I wonder if I hadn't read Big Bad Cowboy (grade A sexual tension) if I would have liked this more. It's in line with all the other cozy contemp PNR released in the last few years, which means I'm dealing with a bit of burnout. I've been avoiding them lately, but was hoping Carly Bloom would make it work for me again.
Truly, too much pressure for me to put on this author/book! I was left feeling pretty "meh" on the experience and I'm clearly in the minority. Which is great, because I waited a long time for her to publish another book and I do want more of them :)

Add this to your fall TBR!

Magical rom coms are my favorite sub genre. Is that thing? I hope its a thing, because this book fits perfectly into this category.

Cordelia “Delia” Merriweather is a blue witch, according to her family. All Delia wants is for people to take her newest business venture in interior design seriously. Which is hard to do when her family is kind of the laughing stock of the community. Not only does her family think she’s a witch, but they believe they come from a long line of witches who have been cursed… Little does Delia know, she is surrounded by actual magic and her family isn’t so crazy after all. Every year on her birthday they make a special soup in an attempt to break the curse. A soup because no one is out there sacrificing babies anymore.. Are they?

Max, a rather stuffy albeit easy on the eyes, witch comes into town to settle his late uncles estate. Which just so happens to be right next door to the Merriweathers. Turns out his late uncle was tasked on keeping an eye on them and making sure they didn’t break the generational curse. But the only thing Max can keep his eyes on is Delia. Even knowing that she is what is known as a “heart witch,” known for their prowess in love potions he still can’t seem to keep away. Is he falling under her spell, or could it be something else. Which seems impossible since Max comes from a long line of witches who shun relationships and love, so if he is feeling anything it must be magic.

Oh and did I mention the adorable familiar who sometimes is a man and sometimes is a cat?

This was the perfect way to usher in the spooky szn and I highly recommend it.

Thank you netgalley, and forever pub for this advanced copy.

I did not enjoy the narrative style but thought the story was compelling enough. A decent read but nothing I’d pick up myself or gift to someone.

This is a fun rom com perfect for fall. It follows a family who think they're cursed witches as they try and break the hex. Delia can't help but flirt with her neighbor's nephew Max, who is unknowingly keeping an eye on her witchy family.

There's a lot going on in the premise but once you're in it's an enjoyable story full of magic, family and love. It has Sabrina the Teenage Witch vibes including a magical cat. The romance aspect wasn't my favorite — there was a bit of an insta-love connection with not much chemistry, but the family elements make up for it.

Overall it's an easy weekend read if you want to get into the Halloween spirit.

As I always say, nothing but love and respect for authors! You’re all amazing!

I wanted to LOVE this novel, but I struggled through it. It had everything that should’ve made it a spooky season hit—sweet, bumbling witches, snarky, hilarious familiars, black cats, magic, and romance. But for some reason, it didn’t hook me as much as I’d hoped. I liked it well enough, but I expected to be obsessed and just… Wasn’t.

That said, I think I’m the exception, not the rule. I have a feeling that Hot Hex Boyfriend will be a huge spooky season hit and that most people will totally love it. 🔮🐈‍⬛✨🧹💘

🐈‍⬛💫Hot Hex Boyfriend💫🐈‍⬛

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom is a bewitching romance that is perfect to break into the fall and spooky season! Pull up your PSL and jump in!

This book is for you if you’re looking for:
💫Talking cats
💫Halloweentown vibes
💫Fall season
💫Witches
💫Neighbors to lovers
💫Cozy reads

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Goodreads: 4.03⭐️

Big thanks to NetGalley and author Carly Bloom for the ARC!

Sassy, snarky, and independent, the Merriweather women are a multi-generational family of witches living without access to their magic. Since becoming an adult, Delia doesn't believe in magic exists beyond the magical warm feelings of happiness and nostalgia she has about her childhood, yet sees no harm in participating in the rituals that are so important to her grandmother and great-aunts. It makes them happy, so what's the harm? The older generation of Merriweather witches had me laughing out loud from the first chapter!

Born on a Blue Moon, Delia's family believes she is the witch chosen to break the hex as the "blue witch". Max comes from a magical family devoted to logic; all emotions are seen as weakness. It was one of his ancestors who hexed the Merriweather witches and following the death of his uncle, it is now Max's job to keep an eye on Delia to be sure the hex remains in place. Despite his logical bent and locked down emotions, he can't help but fall for her.

The secondary characters really made the book stand out for me. Max's brother, Delia's grandmother and great-aunts, and Nikki, Max's imp familiar. who adds his own brand of chaos, humor, and assistance in both his human and cat form. The hot tub scene was just the best! IYKYK!

If you enjoy a slow burn yet steamy small town romcom with opposites attract and an element of forbidden love, get this on your tbr now!

This is a perfect option for a cozy witchy RomCom for a reader looking for those fall vibes. This story has banter, tension and quirky, lovable characters. I enjoyed the magic system and the backstory created for the magic system. I really liked Delia’s eccentric family and the neighbor’s cat Nikki. The narration was really fun - the narrators did a great job bringing this story to life. I found it to be super entertaining, and I highly recommend it if you like audiobooks. Otherwise, the print book was also equally fun!

Thank you to NetGalley, Carly Bloom, Hachette audio, and Forever publishing for this audiobook ARC and eARC.

Reading books with witches and magic are not usually my thing, but this book worked for me.

I enjoyed the main characters as well as the many side characters. The banter was fun and the mystery kept the plot moving. The small town vibe helped the story as well.

Overall this was a cute read and perfect for fall reading.

Thanks to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for providing the ARC.

This book gave me Practical magic or early rom com vibes! It was fun and a good witchy, cozy read that is perfect for fall!

This was my first witchy read of the fall 2024 season, and it was absolutely delightful! A fun rom com with a great cast of characters, a well designed conflict, and so many great moments of levity, this is definitely one I’ll be recommending.

Delia’s family has always said that they are witches, cursed many years ago to no longer have their powers. Delia doesn’t believe a word of it, especially not the part about her being the blue witch who can break the hex by her birthday. But then a new man named Max shows up in town, and things start to get a bit odd in their small southern town,

I loved the setup, with Delia not believing a word her female relatives said about witchcraft and spells. It made for some hilarious moments throughout the story and was a unique start to a witchy read. Delia’s grandma and aunties are incredible secondary characters, and their zany antics could make this such a fun story to see on screen. There is plenty of comedy in this rom com, but plenty of romance as well. It made me giggle multiple times, smile almost constantly, and was such an enjoyable start to the fall reading season,

Thank you to Forever for the arc. All opinions are my own,

4 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Oh, Delia…You are so incredibly special. You have no idea.”

Hot Hex Girlfriend is an adult paranormal romance standalone following Delia, a woman who does not believe in magic, and Max, a warlock sent to watch Delia and her family.

Delia's family has always claimed they are witches and, because of an odd birthmark, she will be the one to break the curse, laid on them over a century ago, before her thirty birthday...which draws near.

The magical world is very much aware of the Merriweather family and Max has been designated as the man to prevent their curse from being broken, the very curse laid by his own great great father. Yet as Max is drawn into the antics of this family and Delia's tugs on something in his heart he never thought would exist, he begins to wonder why this family is considered so bad...

Then, when Delia breaks this curse Max must decide if he will rehex them again or let them be free…if he is willing to deal with the consequences…

This book is a light and fun adventure!

Delia is an absolutely adorable main character. She is tenacious, kind, empathetic, and really cares about her family and community. She seeks out connections so easily and while she doesn't necessarily believe in magic, initially, she doesn't treat her family negatively for their belief. She supports them and participates because she loves them.

Max is a character who went through a lot of growth in this book. His upbringing is very different from Delia's and you can see he has to come to grips with this world of vibrancy, emotions, and love that he has never had. I like how he was willing to see different perspectives and recognize when things had to change. He supports and encourages Delia throughout and that support meant everything.

There are a lot of side characters that continued to breathe life into this book from Luc, Nikki, Amy, and more. What I loved about all these characters was how much their energy met the story. It was eccentric, fun, and an adventure that these characters wholeheartedly were invested in. They made the story so much more for me.

In terms of spice, this book is about 1.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. It is a slow burn with some making out at around the 50% but full blown spice won't be seen until the 80% mark. Given the secrets between these two as the story progresses, I loved how the physical element of their relationship grew as they began to connect and share more. I felt it added meaning to their make outs, kissing, and later spice. I felt the spice was more romantically written than explicit and that worked for them.

“I don’t know what just happened…but I’m still so high on you that I don’t care.”

The story itself initially has a slow start and I think that's mainly because of the big plot element (ie Delia breaking the hex) doesn't happen until over halfway through the novel. That said we get a good amount of time to understand the world of witches and to explore the nature of why this hex exists, which lended to a really fun plot progression in the second half because Max is a good person. We get lots of family moments with parties, hangouts, and more. I loved how even with all the secrets I could tell characters cared for each other and the secrets were received well. I also liked the twist in the end that led to a good climatic moment. This is the kind of book you want to read when you're looking for strong character relationships that really smooth everything out. The ending is sweet but I will say there was a reveal that I could have sworn was meant to be situational irony so I knew since the moment it happened.

Overall, another excellent fall read to add to your list!

Thank you Forever Read for this arc!

I just finished this cute book just in time for release Day and spooky season!! It is a super sweet, cozy mystery with a little closed door romance. I enjoyed it but it did take awhile for me to get into it. I liked Delia's family, they were the best witches. 3.5 stars for me.

📖: Hot Hex Boyfriend: a standalone

🖋️: Carly Bloom-new to me author

🗓️: Published 9-3-24, Read 9-3-24

⭐️Rating: 5/5

🌶️ Steam: 3/5, 1 good scene between H/h

📔Page Count: 364

🎧Narrators: Laura Knight Keating and Zion Jang voice the characters. The narrators' voices fit the characters with standouts from Delia's Southern drawl. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along with the E-book and audiobook.

🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️Run Time: 11:49


⚠️ TW: threat of baby killing

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Contemporary Romance

Setting: Willow Root,TX

Tropes
✨magic/witches/demons/fairies
✨Halloween
✨ open door
✨forbidden romance
✨forced proximity
✨POV: dual 3rd person

Summary: Cordelia "Delia" Merriweather (29) and her family are a coven of witches with no magic. They believe they are hexed and any lovers they have will die. Their neighbor Hartwell Halifax has recently passed, and his nephew Maximus "Max" Halifax (33) comes to pack up his house and spy on the witches next door. The High Priestess Morgaine Gerard sent Max because she believes they are dangerous and use blue magic to steal peoples' hearts. When Delia and Max meet there is insta-attraction, but they both know their covens don't mix.

🤔My Thoughts: I loved the world building and folklore of the witches. The Logos line (Halifax) and the Cor line (Merriweather) witches don't mix, and Hallifaxes don't fall in love. They use logic-based magic, while the Merriweather's use magic with their hearts. Delia's grandmother Madora "Maddie", her mother Fiona, and great aunts -Aurora, Thea, and Andi have loved and lost believing the two-hundred-year curse from a Halifax ancestor. The side characters were flushed out, especially Luc (Max's younger brother), Amy (Delia's BFF since childhood), and Nikki (Hartwell's familiar). I see the potential for future books, and this was a great start.

🙏🏽Thanks to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Hachette Audio for the ARC and ALC🐈‍⬛! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

This book got me so in the mood for fall! The small town vibes were so good. Delia was such a great FMC. She was optimistic without being delusional, sweet, and strong. I loved her Grandma and Aunts too. Max and Delia’s chemistry was so good, but I wish it would’ve been a little bit more of a slow burn. The end was a bit abrupt and short compared to the beginning of the book, so I would’ve liked a bit more there. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this! Fun, quirky characters, family and found family, and romance of course!!

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

Sabrina the Teenage Witch x Practical Magic vibes. "Hot Hex Boyfriend" is more than just a romance; it’s a celebration of family, love, and the unexpected magic that can happen when you least expect it. Bloom’s witty writing and well-drawn characters make this a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of light-hearted romances with a dash of the supernatural. Whether you believe in magic or not, this book will cast a spell on you.

Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have purchased my own copy.