Book Review: "The Ex Hex" by Erin Sterling
“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling
Synopsis: Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths...and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn't use her magic this way, but with only an "orchard hayride" scented candle on hand, she isn't worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town's ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town's ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it's too late.
Rating: 4
Review: I think my preference to not scare myself on purpose is pretty well-known around here, but by god, a seasonal romance novel is right up my alley. While holiday romances abound, this is one of the few I can remember seeing about Halloween…and well, let’s just say it was an instant add to cart. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve either already read this one, or I think I’m going to inspire you, too.
Okay, so what am I peer pressuring you to read? It’s the story of Vivienne and Rhys and their incredible chemistry, most of all, but also a witchy tale of hexes, curses, and…misogynistic men (that may be more universal). The book opens with Vivi and Rhys’ youthful breakup - he was in town for summer magic college, she’s a local, and well, it’s a very sexy time for them all. It ends, and Vivi reacts how I think we wish we all could: a series of small and inconvenient hexes. So far as she knows, nothing comes of it, but then Rhys comes back to town.
Well, two things happen when Rhys returns to town: the hex goes horribly awry for the whole town, and the very sexy times resume for Rhys and Vivi. I saw somewhere that the author described this book as “Hocus Pocus but they F*ck,” and I have to say, that’s pretty spot on. So, I will not dwell on that part of the story besides to say…maybe don’t read this one in public if you blush easily…but instead on the witchy undertones.
I love a book about magic. I love the idea of (mostly) kind witches dealing with family drama (see also: Hermione Granger, Practical Magic). I love a book with magical rules that make sense and aren’t too complicated. No wonder I loved this one. Vivi and her coven, including her cousin-sister and her aunt, are ordinary witches living fairly mundane magical lives in a small southern town. Rhys’ family founded the town (…) and his dad is more like an evil warlock, but honestly, that’s part of the fun!
I will say that this book is spooky, not scary, but there is a ghoul and a haunting, not to miss the hexing. However, nothing feels really malicious, if that makes sense? I was never really worried for Rhys and Vivi because I felt like Erin Starling was working towards a happy ending. However, Erin’s world and the conflicts she created to get us to that happy ending was really just…magical.
TL;DR: A witchy romance that’s much more treat than trick - perfect for this time of year! Plus, if you’ve never wanted to hex an ex…
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