***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
One of Amazon's Best Romances of April!
Enemies-to-lovers has never been more enchanting in this witchy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of Go Hex Yourself.
Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.
Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).
Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?
What the Hex by Jessica Clare is the second book in her popular Hex series. This paranormal romantic comedy can be read as a stand-alone.
Story Recap:
Penny Roundtree dreams of becoming a witch’s familiar. The problem is that there are not any positions available for a familiar apprentice. Penny has been a member of the Society of Familiars since she was old enough to join, but jobs are very scarce. So when a forbidden warlock offers an unusual arrangement, Penny knows it will be her only chance to apprentice as a familiar.
Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar because of his past troubles. Unfortunately, his only chance to cast spells is to make an unconventional deal with Penny to have her apprentice under him as a familiar. They don’t get along at all until they do!
To hide their illegal witch/familiar relationship, they decide to pretend to be in a fake serious relationship. And as always happens in romance with a fake relationship, sooner or later, it becomes real.
My Thoughts:
Reading What the Hex is a delightful experience. I enjoyed the well-developed magical world that Willem and Penny live in. The rules of magic are well-defined, and I enjoyed this world.
I loved Penny. She’s optimistic, and bright and brings sunshine to Willem’s grump. And she has a pet squirrel named Pipstachio who is also adorable. The romance between Penny and Willem was fun to watch develop and they made a great couple. The book is full of magic and mystery which added to the story and the romance.
This book has a good degree of spiciness, but it was not overwhelming.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend What the Hex to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Jessica Clare
Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the 'naughty parts' of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
This sounds like such fun! I added Go Hex Yourself to my TBR when it came out and I’m hoping to read it this October. If I love it, I’ll definitely be reading this one next. Witchy reads are some of my favorites – especially around Halloween!
I don’t know if I really enjoy paranormal romance… But why does this look like so much fun!!
Elza Reads
I haven’t read it this book, but I enjoy the fake dating trope so will keep it in mind. Great review!
This sounds great. It’s going on my list.
Can’t wait to check this one out! Penny sounds so fun. 😀
Sounds like I need to grab this series. Lovely review Wendy!
Wonderful review Wendt! This sounds so good!📚💜
I loved Jessica Clare’s cowboy romance series so I should try this one. It does sound fun!
There are so many aspects of this book in your review that I would just love. Fake relationship, sunshine/grump, magic. LOVE IT ALL!
This is my favorite trope and I’m sure I’ll love this one. Amazing review, Wendy!
This sounds like such fun! I added Go Hex Yourself to my TBR when it came out and I’m hoping to read it this October. If I love it, I’ll definitely be reading this one next. Witchy reads are some of my favorites – especially around Halloween!
A pet squirrel-what fun! My mom actually had one as a child. The book sounds very enjoyable!
The squirrel on the cover is adorable! Glad you enjoyed this one!
Penny sounds like such a fun character. Nice review Wendy!
This looks great, adding to the TBR. Great review!