This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me! I love witchy romances and loved the vibes of this in the beginning - a kitchen witch is such a fun idea! I think the culture that was included added so much to the book and I would have loved to see even more of that and more explanation of the magic system.

The third act breakup was predictable as was the whole hex part and how to solve it. Honestly I think everything in the last 25% felt super rushed which I did not like. I'm also a huge spice lover but this felt like it went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye - I think this would have benefitted from a bit more tension and build up as well as a conversation about kink/consent.

Overall I see the promise even if this book wasn't for me exactly. I rated it a 3.75 rounded up to 4.

How can a book be simultaneously so heartwarming and cozy yet insanely horny at the same time? I absolutely loved this. Just the idea of a coffee shop where the food and drink make you feel like getting kissed on the forehead (and many other spells inducing comfort and luck) had me hooked from the start.

4.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more book content, follow me @romantic.ally_ on instagram

I enjoy reading anything to do with witches and paranormal vibes. This was a cute witchy romance by Nadia El-Fassi in her debut novel.

The 3rd act breakup was looming and was predictable. If you like spice this is the book for you cause most of the book was spicy and it came on pretty quickly. But if you like sweet, spice and a cozy romance you will enjoy this read. It was cute for a debut author.

4 stars

This was a cute and cozy fantasy romance. Dina and Scott were both really sweet characters who were definitely down bad for each other. The friends and family were also a lot of fun and a good addition to the story.
Not a lot happens in this book and there’s honestly not a whole lot of character development. You get a little bit of the hex story line which helps keep things moving but it’s mostly just vibes. I personally didn’t mind it but if you’re looking for a more plot heavy romance this might not be the one for you. It’s a great read for cozy fall day where you just want to get lost in a cute love story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC

I don't understand how a book can be quirky, comfy, and spicy all at once, but Best Hex Ever was just that. Dina and Scott were fun to get to know and I felt invested with side characters as well. The book was an instant hit for me, I don't know if it was the magic, Dina, or just the fall season feel of the book, but it was a quick and fun read for me. I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of this book and proudly display it on my bookshelf!

If I could hand the author an award right now I absolutely would. One of the best up and coming novels for Halloween/Spooky season. A modern love story between a hexed witch and a man who grew up as an orphaned boy that collected good luck charms and protection items in order to get adopted. She is also a maid of honor for a friend's wedding and he is the best man which is what ends up bringing the together in the middle of the book.

Love the constant build and intertwining of events and spice. The story is well written and realistic so a reader can relate. I like how there isn't a lot of fluff in the beginning and the author let's the characters have the courage to talk about their feelings freely and have healthy communication skills which only adds greatness to the story.

Also, there aren't any means girls in this story, rather women being girls girls and men not only being civil and nice to the other characters but to each other and all the characters having each others' backs. Further, I absolutely love how the author includes all types of people from all walks of life without going to the extreme this includes family and lifestyles of all types. Hats off to the author have kid free and kid families included and accepted in this story. To add, the cat name was absolutely genius in this book and I will be stealing it (Heebies, full name Heebie Jeebies).

In this book we also see both parties display a healthy relationship that respects the other's wishes and boundaries. For example, there were topics that each MC was uncomfortable talking about and one person would stop before hitting the topic, say "I support and respect ***".

Finally, the Hex turns out to be a big lesson and epiphany about self sabotage and accepting yourself as you are. I won't spoil who put the Hex on Dina and how, but through the book you see her really start to glow and realize how awesome her and her powers are.

Romance Scenes: The scenes were so good! You really knew what was going and who was doing what. Again, perks to the author for having defined/healthy/open discussions about consent, boundaries, and protection for romance scenes.

Spice 4.5/5

This novel is great for 18+
If it weren't for the spice, I would say for 12 and older. Great example of a healthy relationship which we do not see a lot of.

4.5 STARS

A warm, fall hug is what this book felt like. It’s the perfect cozy, steamy, witchy romance set in England. It will make you hungry, want to dance naked in the moonlight with your friends, and cuddle up with someone you love. I definitely have fallen in love with this world and cannot wait for the next book.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC. I really enjoyed the story. It had a great cast of characters and I enjoyed seeing the Hex portion play out and resolve. It got surprisingly spicy but I loved the mix. Would recommend and read more by Nadia.

This is a great book for your Fall TBR list. It has a fun story line and cozy vibes with a bit of magic. There is an instant attraction that builds during a wedding weekend for a good amount of spice. The dynamics between the friends and families is well-written and provides good character growth. I enjoyed Dina's story and am hoping to read Rosemary's story next!

Give me all the cozy witchy fall reads! This was so much fun and SO CUTE. And the spice was definitely hitting the mark.

This is the perfectly brewed story (pun intended) of Diana. She is a cafe owner in London, and is able to achieve a perfectly cozy and homey cafe for people to unwind in with the little help of magic.

Dina has sworn off love, do to a hex. But when Scott stumbles into her shop, sparks start flying. This gives you London with cozy small town vibes, strong family and friendships.

I really enjoyed this and the side characters were so fun I hope to maybe see something about Rosemarys story!

Thank you @nadiaelfassiauthor and @randomhouse for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨BOOK REVIEW: Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
⭐⭐⭐
This book is perfect for cozy fall vibes! It's time to start building that Fall TBR and this book would fit in perfectly.
Such an easy read at only 320 pages!

TROPES:
- Insta-lust
- Witchy
- Cozy
- Fall/autumn
- Paranormal romance

This book HAS to be on your fall tbr. All the best cozy with vibes, so many baked goods, and the setting in London is perfection. Mulled wine was mentioned at least twice and I craved sipping a mug while reading just to sink further in this book.
I love the characters and the story plot was so cute and fully developed. Fairyloot already has a special edition of this book WHICH IS SO DESERVING! You’ll love this book and will definitely be a new favorite!

I loved the FMC, Dina, so much! She's a Moroccan, bisexual entrepreneur who loves her curves. It was so refreshing to follow her journey! There's also a lottttt of well-executed spice in this book too.

I've seen a lot of reviews that are critical of the insta-love between Dina and Scott. While yes, they did hit it off instantly, I found their attraction sweet and believable. Not every relationship has to be enemies to lovers, and this book proudly shows that.

Overall, this magical, cozy romance had me smiling and blushing all throughout the book. I cannot wait to read what Nadia writes next!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. The cover is super cute and it's a cute "witchy" book that's perfect for the fall. I couldn't put it down

Dina is a kitchen witch - she owns a bakery and makes magical pastries for her customers and loved ones. Only a few close friends know her secret. And of the hex placed on her when she was younger that makes it hard to fall in love. Dina is the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, there she meets Scott, the best man and sparks fly -- until Scott keeps getting hurt. Is it part of the hex or is there a bigger force in play.

It's an interesting story, I haven't read much about witches and hexes. I thought it was a fun storyline and the characters are great.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is my first fall read this almost-season! Nadia did a great job of mixing romance, spice, and magic. Overall, the book was sweet, just what I needed to cleanse my palette before the spooky season. I cannot say that I think this book will stay on my mind past the last page, but I would recommend it to a friend. I love the cover as well!

When I saw that this was a cozy/ spicy romance between a museum curator and a kitchen witch, I was sold! I really loved the friendship between Dina and her girls. And the magic was simply wonderful! Overall this is a cute magical romcom that I will definitely be recommending to others 😊

Tis the season for witchy cosy romances and I am LIVING for it. Nadia El-Fassi has created the perfect autumnal sexy read for the darker evenings. I am usually sceptical of insta-love plots but she made it feel romantic rather than cheesy and the dynamics between the FMC and her family add an additional endearing quality. Have I already preordered the Waterstones exclusive edition? Indeed I have.

such a great debut novel! filled with magic, baked goods, and romance. nadia’s writing was both whimsical and heartwarming, making this a wonderful read. i felt like i was there in every scene and really enjoyed the setting of london and the countryside!

dina and scott have chemistry from the start and fall deeply for each other quickly. their love story was both sweet and passionate, though felt insta-love at times. but they complement each other so well, and i enjoyed seeing how in tune they were with their emotions.

while cute this book also does such a good job dealing with deeper topics and displaying great friendships!

thank you so much to netgalley and random house for the arc. this is the perfect magical fantasy to start off fall! looking forward to nadia’s next book.

As a Fall girlie, I always look forward to reading with the season and Best Hex Ever immaculately captured all the cozy, witchy, autumnal vibes that make fall the most magical time of year! El-Agassi described this world in such exquisite, fantastical detail - from the magic and memories woven into Dina’s baked goods and brews, to the cottages that came to life and became characters in the story, to the ceremonies and rituals with friends and reunited with loved ones - and it felt like getting lost in a dream.

While I absolutely loved the vibes and this world, sadly, the characters lacked depth and I finished the book not fully knowing who they were. Dina and Scott’s relationship centered around insta-lust and they were declaring their love after only a handful of days. For me, this is just not a trope I personally enjoy and I really don’t like when it’s paired with a possessive love interest who is constantly “marking his territory.” I also didn’t like how conflict was built around Dina’s fear of telling her parents she was bi - it hurt my heart that Dina felt like she couldn’t share her true self with her mother.

I appreciated how the story ended with a message of loving yourself and again, the fall vibes were excellent, but I needed more depth from Dina and Scott’s characters to buy into their relationship. If you’re looking for a quick, light witchy read for the fall, this might be worth picking up if you enjoy insta lust and are looking for a spicier witchy romance.