I love a good witchy vibe for a fall read and those aspects were done well, but this book was far too raunchy for my tastes. Good LGBTQ+ representation, well done magical realism, but the constant focus on physical lust and sexual content definitely made the romance and love story feel less genuine.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC.

If you’re looking for a quick, witchy fall read, this is it. The magic is breezy and fun, and the stakes are pretty low throughout. Dina and Scott are charming together, even when they’re trying not to be. I liked this book, but didn’t love it, because I felt like the parts that were supposed to pack an emotional punch didn’t really land for me. But I’m still glad I read it.

If you’re not a fan of insta-love or meddling family and friends, this probably isn’t for you, though.

Light, charming and spicy rom-com of a kitchen witch afraid to fall in love in fear that her object of affection will come to harm. When Scott first comes into her bakery/coffee shop, he knocks a protection amulet off the shelf raising a number of alarms for Dina. The secondary characters have interesting back stories. And the relationship between Dina and her mother is especially well-done.

I finished this book days ago and still don't know how to express my thoughts about it. BEST HEX EVER by Nadia El-Fassi is a story overflowing with tropes currently in vogue: witch, spells that don't quite work the way they're meant to, small businesses as well as the evergreens of opposites attract. While I knew exactly where it was going at all times and that predictability felt rote and formulaic, I imagine there might be readers seeking that reliable, comfortable, and cozy romance with ebbs and flows that are all tied up prettily by the end. Every now and again, there was a phrase or a moment that raised my hopes, so I hope Ms. El-Fassi works to develop her craft and imagine a story not so bordered by expectations, rules, and requirements that it fails to strike a chord and memory. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

You do not want to miss out on this spicy witchy romance between a cursed kitchen witch and a mysterious museum curator who are in a forced proximity situation because they're the best man and maid of honor at their best friend's wedding. Thank you, Random House, Dell Romance and NetGalley for the arc/gifted copy of Best Hex Ever, out now! <3

This was such a gorgeous debut novel. Nadia wrote such a pretty fall witchy book with diverse representation and a bi fmc. I loved both characters so much.

Dina especially was a fmc I loved reading about a lot. She is strong, she puts others first, and she is witch who makes the sweetest desserts. Her relationship with her parents and her friends were something cherished and the dialogues with them were fun and honest. Dina was hexed a few years back to where every person she gets into a relationship with will fall in danger. To see the self-love journey, she goes through and reading how she begins to speak about herself was important as a woman in her twenties. There were countless of conversations in this book that were so eye-opening, and I appreciate Nadia speaking about them.

Scott was an incredible mmc. He is patient and kind and so incredibly obsessed with Dina from the minute they met. I think he quickly became a mmc that I wanted to read more about and learn more of his past. The way he spoke about Dina both hot and soft was so beautiful. His passion for his work and tying it into Dina and her history/culture was a gorgeous point as it showed how much Scott truly wanted to know and love and spoil every part of her. When he finds out she's a witch he treated her so soft and even said he fell in love with her more, which wow. And the things he said to Dina when so down bad? Goodness, this was spicy, and cozy all wrapped in one.

As soon as I saw Nadia pop up on my Twitter feed, I knew I needed her to get me into my witchy era (almost never read paranormal type of books, but this just sounded incredible). Also, I am so excited for Nadia's next release, waiting for it *patiently*. Thank you again for the arc, I had such a great time reading! <3

- Witchy Romance
- Cursed Kitchen Witch
- Mysterious Musuem Curator
- Forced Proximity
- Spicy
- Bisexual Rep
- Insta-Lovey
- Chance Encounter

3.75 ⭐️ super cute and fast paced read that’s perfect for adding to your spooky tbr!! the characters are lovable, and the setting creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls you right in, it’s an amazing mix that makes the story both heartwarming and fun, ideal for readers looking for something light and magical to dive into during the spooky season :)

“I love every part of you, Dina. And that includes your magic.”

Beautiful story!

Dani is a witch who owns a coffee shop in London. When she was younger, she had a relationship that didn't end very well. Dani was put under a spell that every time someone fell in love with her, they ended up very badly hurt.

After a long trip around the world, Scot decides to return to England after a breakup of a two-year relationship that marked him greatly.

Dani and Scot don't know that they are going to the same wedding as the best men. Scot couldn't stop thinking about her from the first impression he made when he met Dani at his coffee shop, and when they met again in the same house, he fell completely in love. Dani doesn't want to be with anyone so they don't get hurt, but the temptation is so great that he can't avoid it.

I really liked the interaction of all the characters and the way they followed the story. Dani and Scot are a beautiful, healthy couple with good communication. I'm dying to read the story of Rosemary, one of Dani's friends.

Thanks to the author, the editorial and Netgalley for send me this book.

Best Hex Ever is a wholesome and cozy witchy romance book with a touch of spice. I absolutely adore this book. The cover is perfect for the fall season. The banter between Dina and Scott is lovely, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy witchy stories with a great plot, along with cats and baked goods. I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a cozy fall read with witchy vibes? I got the book for you. This book gives you all the fall fluffy romance vibes but quite a bit of spice at the end. I enjoyed reading it especially since its fall and closer to Halloween. I can't wait to read another book from this author!

Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

A solid 3.5 for this! I liked all the concepts behind this book. It’s an easy and lighthearted read with likable characters.

Best Hex Ever is an adorable rom-com with a magical twist.
I enjoyed both main characters: Dina, a witch with a bakery that imbues her foods and drinks with magic to evoke particular feelings, and Scott, who works in a museum. They have a pretty cute first meeting at Dina's bakery, an even cuter second meeting on the train, and a third where they realize they are going to the same wedding!

I thought they made an adorable couple, Dina had some baggage from the past that made her believe she could never fall in love, which has her periodically stepping back from Scott, but they can't stay away from each other.

I really enjoyed the ending, and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book.

3.5 - This was so cute! The chemistry between the two main characters hooked me and I always love a dual POV storytelling. It was just the right amount of tension. Definitely a cozy magical romance perfect for fall. I enjoyed the side characters as well and the feelings of community. The writing did not hook me, but I feel the characterization and plot made up for it.

Thank you to random house Ballantine and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

I had been enjoying this book so much at the beginning! My favorite kind of witchy read that's fun without being over complex. But then out of the blue, the spice! I felt like it really didn't match the beginning of the book and it felt disjointed.

To be fair, I'm not really a spice reader. I don't mind a little bit sometimes it can come off as kind of vulgar instead of something beautiful shared and that doesn't really do it for me. I wish the door had been a bit more closed - yes because it's more my style but also because it would have made the overall style of the book more smooth.

I did also feel that the ending tied up a little too quickly and nearly. A little overly simple

The Best Hex Ever is such a cozy fall read. With magical baked goods, witchy vibes and a sweet romance, it’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and just read and rot for hours. Dina’s cafe life, mixed with her magical abilities, was so vividly described that I could almost taste the pastries and feel the warmth of her London cafe. I read this while in London so I think that added to the vibes a lot.

I loved how Scott fell so hard for Dina and adored his determination to break through her walls. Even though the romance moved fast, it didn’t bother me because the story felt so cozy. This book was spicier than I expected (I expected basically none), but it fit the overall vibe.

I also appreciated how Dina’s Moroccan heritage was woven into the story along with her bond with her mother. It gave the story extra depth. Plus, the conversations around not wanting children were really refreshing to see in a romance. Overall, The Best Hex Ever is a fun, feel-good book with the perfect mix of magic, love and cozy vibes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This was such a cozy book with great fall vibes. I really loved the LGBTQ rep and that the main character was moroccan. But I didn’t love was the fact that the relationship was very Insta love and that the writing style tended to tell instead of show. I felt fairly detached from the characters and the relationship through throughout the whole story.

Devoured this practical magic-esque novel in mere hours. I absolutely loved the friendship between Dina, Immy, and Rosemary. I’ll admit, Scott came on little strong for me out of nowhere but I did enjoy their banter. I really loved Dina’s relationship with her mom. A great fall read!

Perfectly witchy, steamy read for spooky season! I really enjoyed this story, the way magic was used, and the chemistry.

Spicy, male female, dual point of view, paranormal (witches), contemporary romance. Pretty quick read with Practical Magic vibes. A cozy, charming, and steamy book for fall/spooky season.

This book was so cute. I love Dina and think she’s absolutely stunning. I loved the romance too and how adorable they were! So cozy

✨ Book Thoughts ✨
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
Pub Date: October 1, 2024

Nadia El-Fassi has crafted a witchy cozy romance for the season. We’ve got baked goods, magic, museums and so much more. This book is a delightful blend of witchy humor, friendship and romance. I loved the way the author explored themes of self-discovery and the importance of embracing your true self. The characters are so relatable and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, have your heart swooning, and believe in magic, this is the one for you!

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