The only reason I’m not awarding The Ex Hex a full five stars is that the story loses a bit of steam midway. It rebounds beautifully in the final act, though, giving the reader a magical, emotional conclusion to Vivi and Rhys’s journey. Romance tropes are the chemistry between Rhys Penhallow, and Vivienne Jones is just ok. I think the author should have written it in a better way. My sincerest appreciation to Erin Sterling and William Morrow for the physical Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own. Book Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Witches

Nevertheless, there's no denying that the second half of the book started to get tiresome and draggy. The conflict was stalled, with more scenes of the characters banging each other than necessary. The world-building fell off due to the characters' passive approach in breaking the curse; I realized the ending was rushed and poorly delivered. The stories that Hawkins has created are equal parts engaging and entertaining, providing a sense of escapism and excitement, as well as having something deeper to say. With contemporary ideas that really ring true, she doesn’t shy away from saying exactly what it is that she wants to say. Carrying the readers along at a brisk pace, she has also proven to be a master of suspense and tension, creating a thrilling and exciting ambiance. This is definitely the case with her Erin Sterling pen-name, as she’s shown another side to herself as an author and as a creative.

She would later go on to write her first novel as Erin Sterling in 2021, which would be titled ‘The Ex Hex’ with it being an entirely stand-alone novel. This book would be a romance novel aimed at adults, with some fun wit and humor featuring along the way as well. Getting a lot of critical acclaim for her work, Hawkins continues to write and maintain a presence both online and off, with a lot more to come in the future still. If you like seasonal fall reads but don’t want to jump full into horror, this is the perfect October book for you.… It promises Hocus Pocus vibes, but with a lot more heat. So curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and The Ex Hex for a perfect autumnal reading experience.”— Bookriot

The follow-up to Erin Sterling's New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.A pitch-perfect paranormal romantic comedy … The Ex Hexseamlessly blends fantasy and romance, with a strong sense of world-building and magical rules that guide Vivienne and Rhys’s attempts to course-correct from the ‘accidental’ curse, and an equally evident sense of attraction between these two witches. A bit of unexpected magic, a dose of revenge and a sprinkling of steaminess churn together in a humorous and heartfelt paranormal romance, sure to delight fans of Hocus Pocusand Practical Magic—or any contemporary tale of witches run amok .”— Shelf Awareness The smut was good? Magic sex, that's a better term for it. It was also cool, intimate and sweet. Vivi, if I met someone like Rhys, I wouldn't let him go off bed, too. Self-deprecating and witty Rhys is a positively dreamy hero and a perfect match for reluctant witch Vivi. The quaint town and quirky cast of characters give The Ex Hexa “Stars Hollow” vibe, making this a must-read autumnal treat! Washington Independent Review of Books

This was a fun read...and I timed it very well, finishing it on Halloween. The writing is atmospheric, the sexual tension is...well...tense, and there are some genuine LOL / cute moments. This is a winner from Rachel Hawkins, writing under the name of Erin Sterling. New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong. Vivienne Jones handled the biggest break-up of her life the way that any witch would: vodka, bubble baths, and a curse on her ex. You almost ran your ex- boyfriend over with a car, and then left him lying in the literal dirt on the side of the road. It is such a big deal, you absolute queen.”With a lot more to come in the future as well, she definitely will not be finishing any time soon, as her writing career builds from strength-to-strength. I loved the overall idea of this book, loved the characters, and I'm sure I will continue on with the series. A cute, witchy, second-chance romance!! (&& surprise spicy bonus content🤭🌶) Perfect for your Fall/Witchy TBR's. ♥

Sterling’s novel is ultimately crisp and sweet, like biting into the perfect caramel apple . . . will sweep readers up into a world of whimsical magic‘ Kirkus And though Gwyn and Wells are fully committed to their witchy rivalry, they find themselves thrown together when they have to deal with the sudden appearance of a mysterious new coven and Gwyn’s concern that something—or someone—is messing with her magic…

Publication Order of Ex Hex Books

Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC of The Kiss Curse in exchange for my honest review. Available on September 20. One of the best rom-coms I’ve read all year! . . . It’s Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls and I am a hundred percent OBSESSED!’ For I have found one of the funniest, hottest, witchiest rom-coms I’ve ever read – Erin Sterling’s novel, The Ex Hex. The Ex Hex is cute, cute, CUTE! I absolutely loved it. Sterling has written a surefire winner for romance fans who, like me, enjoy a little hocus pocus with their hanky-panky. So it turns out that when it comes to reading, dark and bizarre are much more my speed than a fluffy romance. I swear I tried- this started out so fun! But between a haphazard plot and overuse of the term “rakish” The Ex Hex is like a pumpkin spice latte, a good idea on paper, but saccharine and unmemorable in reality.