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The Ex Hex #2
The Kiss Curse
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2022)Welcome to Spooky Season!! 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.
Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.
When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.
When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
309 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2022
About the author
Erin Sterling
4 books3,785 followersPen name of Rachel Hawkins.
Born in Virginia and raised in Alabama, Rachel Hawkins has been writing since Kindergarten when her first book, a tense thriller involving a unicorn, a witch, and a princess, was called, “very imaginative!” by her teacher and “a searing work of genius” by her mother.
Since then, Rachel has written over a dozen books for children and adults (sadly all unicorn-free thus far), and been published in more than twenty countries. As Rachel Hawkins, she wrote the New York Times bestselling THE WIFE UPSTAIRS, a Southern Gothic twist on JANE EYRE that the Southern Review of Books called, “a thrill ride,” and Entertainment Weekly dubbed, “a gothic thriller laced with arsenic.” Her latest thriller, RECKLESS GIRLS, also debuted on the New York Times list with Kirkus calling it, “a soapy, claustrophobic page-turner.”
When not writing modern Gothic thrillers as Rachel Hawkins, she also pens paranormal romantic comedies under the name Erin Sterling. Her debut romance, THE EX HEX, was a Book of the Month pick as well as a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller.
Rachel currently lives in Auburn, Alabama with her husband, son, and five cats. (Yes, five. She knows.). In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and picking up an assortment of creative hobbies she will give up on after a week or two.
Born in Virginia and raised in Alabama, Rachel Hawkins has been writing since Kindergarten when her first book, a tense thriller involving a unicorn, a witch, and a princess, was called, “very imaginative!” by her teacher and “a searing work of genius” by her mother.
Since then, Rachel has written over a dozen books for children and adults (sadly all unicorn-free thus far), and been published in more than twenty countries. As Rachel Hawkins, she wrote the New York Times bestselling THE WIFE UPSTAIRS, a Southern Gothic twist on JANE EYRE that the Southern Review of Books called, “a thrill ride,” and Entertainment Weekly dubbed, “a gothic thriller laced with arsenic.” Her latest thriller, RECKLESS GIRLS, also debuted on the New York Times list with Kirkus calling it, “a soapy, claustrophobic page-turner.”
When not writing modern Gothic thrillers as Rachel Hawkins, she also pens paranormal romantic comedies under the name Erin Sterling. Her debut romance, THE EX HEX, was a Book of the Month pick as well as a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller.
Rachel currently lives in Auburn, Alabama with her husband, son, and five cats. (Yes, five. She knows.). In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and picking up an assortment of creative hobbies she will give up on after a week or two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,885 reviews
October 29, 2022
i'm in a ranty mood so strap the fuck in
it's astounding to me that with the rise in popularity of romance lately that this managed to squeak by and get published. no it was not overly long or riddled with grammatical errors. but where was the fucking romance.
not a crumb of relationship development to be found. it went a little something like this:
1. characters kind of mildly dislike each other
2. characters believe they were spelled and makeout in a storage closet
3. characters have a few more small talk conversations, nothing noteworthy
4. characters have sex in back of a truck*
5. characters team up to solve a mystery
6. characters end up happily ever after-ing and professing their love
*to the hero's credit he was decent at dirty talking and i like a champ who enjoys snacking on snatch
where is the meaningful dialogue. where is the tension. WHY SHOULD I GIVE A FUCK THAT THESE TWO END UP TOGETHER?????
anyway. the setting was charming. i liked the idea of rival shop owners. it was also a short book. that's all i'll say.
it's astounding to me that with the rise in popularity of romance lately that this managed to squeak by and get published. no it was not overly long or riddled with grammatical errors. but where was the fucking romance.
not a crumb of relationship development to be found. it went a little something like this:
1. characters kind of mildly dislike each other
2. characters believe they were spelled and makeout in a storage closet
3. characters have a few more small talk conversations, nothing noteworthy
4. characters have sex in back of a truck*
5. characters team up to solve a mystery
6. characters end up happily ever after-ing and professing their love
*to the hero's credit he was decent at dirty talking and i like a champ who enjoys snacking on snatch
where is the meaningful dialogue. where is the tension. WHY SHOULD I GIVE A FUCK THAT THESE TWO END UP TOGETHER?????
anyway. the setting was charming. i liked the idea of rival shop owners. it was also a short book. that's all i'll say.
August 22, 2024
3.5⭐️!!!!
October 17, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
i wanted to feel that spooky/gilmore girls fall in georgia type of feeling while reading this book and that’s exactly what it delivered 🤩
this was cute, funny, witty, and swoony. omg the banter between these characters was the most entertaining thing ngl. Gwyn is a bad bitch and Wells is so 🧎🏻♂️🧎🏻♂️🧎🏻♂️for her.
the chivalry in this book, the dirty talk, and even the plot?!!!?! it all slapped. now i’ll share some quotes from the book that i have tattooed to my brain…
“Wells had thought he'd wanted to kiss her before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now.” 🤩
"If you want us to keep on every item of clothing we’re wearing and grind against my 🐓 until you come, i’d enjoy nothing more. If you want to touch yourself while i watch i…well” he’s so real for that 😩
him: “You can call me anything you like,” her: “And if I wanted to call you mine?” 😙😙😙
i loved 98% of it. i just felt like the ending was rushed and we were robbed of an epilogue 😭🔫
i wanted to feel that spooky/gilmore girls fall in georgia type of feeling while reading this book and that’s exactly what it delivered 🤩
this was cute, funny, witty, and swoony. omg the banter between these characters was the most entertaining thing ngl. Gwyn is a bad bitch and Wells is so 🧎🏻♂️🧎🏻♂️🧎🏻♂️for her.
the chivalry in this book, the dirty talk, and even the plot?!!!?! it all slapped. now i’ll share some quotes from the book that i have tattooed to my brain…
“Wells had thought he'd wanted to kiss her before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now.” 🤩
"If you want us to keep on every item of clothing we’re wearing and grind against my 🐓 until you come, i’d enjoy nothing more. If you want to touch yourself while i watch i…well” he’s so real for that 😩
him: “You can call me anything you like,” her: “And if I wanted to call you mine?” 😙😙😙
i loved 98% of it. i just felt like the ending was rushed and we were robbed of an epilogue 😭🔫
November 1, 2022
Okay, first of all; this brand new Ex Hex sequel is freaking fantastic! I honestly couldn’t get into the first book of the series and connected with the main characters so easily but quirky, fiery, smart cousin Gwyn was so much likable supporting character and thankfully her own book was so swoon worthy, entertaining enemies to lovers theme! This second book is anything I need: it’s passionate, funny, gripping, action packed, witty!
Rule follower, extra polished, a remarkable uptight gentleman and elder brother of Penhallows; Wells strikingly charming Penhallow decides to move to Graves Glen to open his own store after the failure of family pub in Wales. Interestingly his father Simon supported his decision, warning him about Jones women who stole their patriarchal powers and magical throne! He still doesn’t give his blessing to youngest son Rhys and Vivi Jones’ marriage.
Gwyn: owner of Something Wicked, mentoring her three baby witches with her wisdom is not happy to see another Penhallow brother moves back to their town. She’s a grudge holder. She already knows extra pretentious tendencies from the college. She already pissed him off because he wasn’t brave enough to attend his brother’s wedding by going against his father’s wishes!
And his dare to open a shop selling same kind of non magical witchery stuff across the street with promotional cup of tea makes Gwyn even more frustrated!
The man keeps pushing her buttons and when she confronts him at his store’s attic, accidentally a box of sex magicked up pink spell pours down on them. As a result they find them kissing each other passionately.
Gwyn wants to leave that kiss all behind because there is some more important matters she has to deal like she slowly loses her magic and a threatening dark magic vibes start to threaten the town after one of her schoolmate’s surprising arrival. Unfortunately she needs to team up with the man she hates to like for unfolding the mystery and she has to resist the palpable attraction between them! Jones& Esquire agency is at your service!
Overall: Baby witches and hairy Bowen were the best supporting characters I’d like to give high give!
I adored Gwyn and Wells’ dreamy witchery sexy love story!
My arc copy request was rejected but I’m so happy to buy my own copy! It’s worth to every penny I spent! I had amazing time! This is absolutely one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year!
Rule follower, extra polished, a remarkable uptight gentleman and elder brother of Penhallows; Wells strikingly charming Penhallow decides to move to Graves Glen to open his own store after the failure of family pub in Wales. Interestingly his father Simon supported his decision, warning him about Jones women who stole their patriarchal powers and magical throne! He still doesn’t give his blessing to youngest son Rhys and Vivi Jones’ marriage.
Gwyn: owner of Something Wicked, mentoring her three baby witches with her wisdom is not happy to see another Penhallow brother moves back to their town. She’s a grudge holder. She already knows extra pretentious tendencies from the college. She already pissed him off because he wasn’t brave enough to attend his brother’s wedding by going against his father’s wishes!
And his dare to open a shop selling same kind of non magical witchery stuff across the street with promotional cup of tea makes Gwyn even more frustrated!
The man keeps pushing her buttons and when she confronts him at his store’s attic, accidentally a box of sex magicked up pink spell pours down on them. As a result they find them kissing each other passionately.
Gwyn wants to leave that kiss all behind because there is some more important matters she has to deal like she slowly loses her magic and a threatening dark magic vibes start to threaten the town after one of her schoolmate’s surprising arrival. Unfortunately she needs to team up with the man she hates to like for unfolding the mystery and she has to resist the palpable attraction between them! Jones& Esquire agency is at your service!
Overall: Baby witches and hairy Bowen were the best supporting characters I’d like to give high give!
I adored Gwyn and Wells’ dreamy witchery sexy love story!
My arc copy request was rejected but I’m so happy to buy my own copy! It’s worth to every penny I spent! I had amazing time! This is absolutely one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year!
October 24, 2022
I LOVED THIS!
rtc.
This better be a companion novel to The Ex Hex and it better be about Gwyn.
rtc.
This better be a companion novel to The Ex Hex and it better be about Gwyn.
Want to read
February 25, 2022i was so excited for this because i was looking forward that it might be wlw, given that the first book showed gwyn had feelings with the town mayor and now i'm just disappointed with this and myself for getting my hopes up.
October 19, 2022
After reading all the glorious reviews involving author Erin Sterling’s “The Ex Hex” I decided to get on this October “witchy” read bandwagon. I got the audio of her new novel “The Kiss Curse”. It started slow for me, but thank The Goddess it improved.
This is a silly rom/com with magical and witchy embellishment. There are competing magic shops, spells, witchery and a bit of black magic in the town of Gravesglen.
This story is a bit “steamy” in places. A bit too steamy for me, but not a distraction. It’s a cute story that takes place in October right before Halloween. It got me in the mood, so of…
The audible audio is. Narrated by Shannon McManus.
This is a silly rom/com with magical and witchy embellishment. There are competing magic shops, spells, witchery and a bit of black magic in the town of Gravesglen.
This story is a bit “steamy” in places. A bit too steamy for me, but not a distraction. It’s a cute story that takes place in October right before Halloween. It got me in the mood, so of…
The audible audio is. Narrated by Shannon McManus.
September 29, 2022
5 STARS
The Kiss Curse follows Gwyn, the beloved, quirky, and snappy cousin of Vivi from the predecessor book, The Ex Hex. We are given a cute, cozy, and a lil' steamy—enemies to lovers romance, admiring teenage witches, and an unknown mysterious energy to uncover. (Oh and Sir Purrcival is THE moment.)
Due to Graves Glen having a change in the flow of power, many new witches have gathered in the town. Encountering these weird energies and emanating magic is cause for lookout into the safety of the town's magic.
Gwyn is running Something Wicked on her own when it just so happens, Wells, Rhys' older brother, and Gwyn's long-time enemy opens a shop across the street rivaling her store. With cause for competition, these two start to have more one-on-one run-ins creating the all too good banter and magnetism to the other. When an old university acquaintance moves to Graves Glen and invites them both to a housewarming witches-only party that radiates evil magic, the two team up to figure out just why she moved back.
We are given mouthwatering tension, skin-warming fluff, and abs-inducing humor along with an intriguing and fun plot that has the reader on their toes.
Provided by Avon & Harper Voyager. This will be published September 20, 2022!
The Kiss Curse follows Gwyn, the beloved, quirky, and snappy cousin of Vivi from the predecessor book, The Ex Hex. We are given a cute, cozy, and a lil' steamy—enemies to lovers romance, admiring teenage witches, and an unknown mysterious energy to uncover. (Oh and Sir Purrcival is THE moment.)
Due to Graves Glen having a change in the flow of power, many new witches have gathered in the town. Encountering these weird energies and emanating magic is cause for lookout into the safety of the town's magic.
"Graves Glen was a collection of lights glimmering in the darkness, homey and warm but far away, shadowy hills rising all around it.
Gwyn is running Something Wicked on her own when it just so happens, Wells, Rhys' older brother, and Gwyn's long-time enemy opens a shop across the street rivaling her store. With cause for competition, these two start to have more one-on-one run-ins creating the all too good banter and magnetism to the other. When an old university acquaintance moves to Graves Glen and invites them both to a housewarming witches-only party that radiates evil magic, the two team up to figure out just why she moved back.
We are given mouthwatering tension, skin-warming fluff, and abs-inducing humor along with an intriguing and fun plot that has the reader on their toes.
Provided by Avon & Harper Voyager. This will be published September 20, 2022!
November 10, 2023
another fun october read 🫶 this was just as cute and cozy as the ex hex, though i preferred that one a little more. for some reason, i didn’t really feel gwyn and wells’s chemistry as much, which is odd bc i tend to prefer enemies to lovers rather than second chance romance. but the vibes were perfect. the banter was great. and the rhys crumbs were my fav 😋
short review bc i read this a while ago but i def recommend reading this in the fall <3
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
3.5 stars!
CUTE! rtc?? idk maybeprobably not
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
i have a feeling i won’t like this as much as the ex hex bc there’s no rhys but i want another witchy book so here we are 😔
short review bc i read this a while ago but i def recommend reading this in the fall <3
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
3.5 stars!
CUTE! rtc?? idk maybe
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
i have a feeling i won’t like this as much as the ex hex bc there’s no rhys but i want another witchy book so here we are 😔
September 16, 2022
Of the two books in the series, I think I preferred this one. Gwyn is such a fun character, and after enjoying her role as a sidekick in book one, I was glad to see her have her own moment to shine as the star of book two.
Having already experienced the town of Graves Glen, I was excited to head back and see what new trouble awaited our crew of witches. In the Kiss Curse, we have the fun angle of competing stores, when a familiar face returns to town and sets up shop across the street from Gwyn’s. Their fiery chemistry mixed with their competitive natures made Gywn and Wells such a treat to read about. And I loved the way they turned to one another, when trouble was afoot. All in all, it was the perfect mix of romance and adventure.
While the supernatural element is lost on me, the overall romance and sense of small town charm was not. I will keep both of these in my rotation for Halloween reads.
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC of The Kiss Curse in exchange for my honest review. Available on September 20.
3.5★ rounded up.
Having already experienced the town of Graves Glen, I was excited to head back and see what new trouble awaited our crew of witches. In the Kiss Curse, we have the fun angle of competing stores, when a familiar face returns to town and sets up shop across the street from Gwyn’s. Their fiery chemistry mixed with their competitive natures made Gywn and Wells such a treat to read about. And I loved the way they turned to one another, when trouble was afoot. All in all, it was the perfect mix of romance and adventure.
While the supernatural element is lost on me, the overall romance and sense of small town charm was not. I will keep both of these in my rotation for Halloween reads.
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC of The Kiss Curse in exchange for my honest review. Available on September 20.
3.5★ rounded up.
September 20, 2022
Update 9/20/22: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
It’s a year after The Ex Hex, and it’s the Jones family’s magic that now fuels Graves Glen, so the Joneses are now responsible for protecting it. And after playing the classic role of snarky best friend/cousin in the first book, Gwyn Jones is now front and center, with newly married Vivi is relegated to a minor supporting role here.
Gwyn is perfectly happy with her life, being with her family, running her touristy witchcraft shop, and beginning to mentor to a group of three “Baby Witches” who want to learn more than what their school will teach. She’s even ok with her cousin Vivi’s new husband, Rhys, even if she thinks his father Simon is a jerk and thinks his brother Wells is an even bigger jerk for not coming to Vivi and Rhys’s wedding. So Gwyn is unprepared for the day that Wells Penhallow returns to Graves Glen, announces that he’s staying permanently, and then opens up a more upscale witchcraft shop right across the street from hers. And she could deal with all that, even the fact that she’s attracted to this gorgeous jerk-who’s-maybe-not-a-jerk-after-all. But Morgan, a witch with a mysterious past who Gwyn went to school with, has also just returned to Graves Glen. And at the same time all of this is happening, Gwyn begins to lose her magical powers….
The Kiss Curse was written under a pen name by Rachel Hawkins, author of the very good thriller Reckless Girls, and her writing skills again show here. But, as with The Ex Hex, this book is a light, fun read. There is a bit of drama, but it’s relatively brief and resolved quickly (though leaving open room for more books in this series). Instead, this book is all about the funny- provided largely by the “Baby Witches”—and the budding enemies/rivals to lovers romance between Gwyn and Wells, whose bantering and hijinks also provides quite a bit of humor. The chemistry between Gwyn and Wells is again well done. And while there are a couple of sweaty scenes, the book is again more thirsty than steamy. Still, another enjoyable story, and I’ll be on the lookout for the next book in the series. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Gwyn had no doubt that whoever he was, his ancestors had absolutely once stared down the business end of a guillotine.Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for sending me an ARC of The Kiss Curse in exchange for an honest review.
You didn’t get cheekbones like that without oppressing some peasants.
…
“You know what I mean. This is a witchy shop. I run a witchy shop. You are stepping on my turf.”
“Is this where we begin snapping our fingers and launch into a dance battle?”
It’s a year after The Ex Hex, and it’s the Jones family’s magic that now fuels Graves Glen, so the Joneses are now responsible for protecting it. And after playing the classic role of snarky best friend/cousin in the first book, Gwyn Jones is now front and center, with newly married Vivi is relegated to a minor supporting role here.
Gwyn is perfectly happy with her life, being with her family, running her touristy witchcraft shop, and beginning to mentor to a group of three “Baby Witches” who want to learn more than what their school will teach. She’s even ok with her cousin Vivi’s new husband, Rhys, even if she thinks his father Simon is a jerk and thinks his brother Wells is an even bigger jerk for not coming to Vivi and Rhys’s wedding. So Gwyn is unprepared for the day that Wells Penhallow returns to Graves Glen, announces that he’s staying permanently, and then opens up a more upscale witchcraft shop right across the street from hers. And she could deal with all that, even the fact that she’s attracted to this gorgeous jerk-who’s-maybe-not-a-jerk-after-all. But Morgan, a witch with a mysterious past who Gwyn went to school with, has also just returned to Graves Glen. And at the same time all of this is happening, Gwyn begins to lose her magical powers….
The Kiss Curse was written under a pen name by Rachel Hawkins, author of the very good thriller Reckless Girls, and her writing skills again show here. But, as with The Ex Hex, this book is a light, fun read. There is a bit of drama, but it’s relatively brief and resolved quickly (though leaving open room for more books in this series). Instead, this book is all about the funny- provided largely by the “Baby Witches”—and the budding enemies/rivals to lovers romance between Gwyn and Wells, whose bantering and hijinks also provides quite a bit of humor. The chemistry between Gwyn and Wells is again well done. And while there are a couple of sweaty scenes, the book is again more thirsty than steamy. Still, another enjoyable story, and I’ll be on the lookout for the next book in the series. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Want to read
September 20, 2022IT'S TODAY! IT'S TODAY, OMG. I'VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR YOU!
October 16, 2022
Life's too short for mediocre books.
May 23, 2022
i loved this one! i wasn’t a super big fan of the ex hex, but this one was even more romantic, funny, and entertaining. i also really loved the atmosphere and the town of graves glen, plus getting to see vivi and rhys again while learning more about gwyn and wells. gwyn was such a badass main character! i loved her relationships with sir purrcival and the “baby witches” as well. her relationship with wells was super sweet and i loved how the complimented one another so well. the storyline was also fresh and entertaining! i highly recommend this one, even if you weren’t the biggest fan of the ex hex. thanks to netgalley, avon books, and erin sterling for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2023
2 ⭐️
To say i was bitterly disappointed by this book would be an understatement. after really liking the first book, this one just let me down so much. I had so much hope and it was just shattered. I did like parts of the book and it really did have potential, however the execution was just flawed. 🥲
THE PLOT:
The second book of The Ex Hex series follows Viv's cousin Gwyn, a crazy and wild (and hilarious) witch looking to continue fueling the town with her ancestors' magic. Rhy's brother, Wells, opens a witch shop just across the street from Gwyns and they soon become rivals that develop romantic feelings for each other. Nothing is what it seems in Graves Glen, as Gwyn starts to lose her magic and this book follows the process of getting it back with the help of Wells and a current group of students at the town university.
MY THOUGHTS:
Right off the bat, the one thing that really irked me about this book was the plot. It felt so underdeveloped and incomplete at times while reading. It had gotten to the point where I was really trying to push myself to finish this and it ended up putting me in a small reading slump. It would be fair to say that the side characters COMPLETELY carried this book. The connection between the two mc's just didn't feel genuine. Yes, they were funny; yes, they were witty. However, I don't think it really made up in terms of carrying the plot. There was little to minuscule world building and character development. I just could not attach myself to these people no matter how hard I tried. This was definitely a miss for me. The plot "twists" at the end were very predictable and I'm not saying that's entirely a bad thing, but the fact that it only covered 5 pages really disappointed me. sigh..I really wanted this to be better than it was. Although, I did like the small amount of spice that was in here. It was the last thing I was expecting, but it was a nice surprise. 🥴
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES:
"You know, it was much better for me when you two didn't like each other"
"I've always liked Gwyn." Rhys protested.
"I didn't like you."
"Dickbag," Sir Purrcival said sleepily.
When her eyes briefly met his, her cheek dimpling with a 'go fuck yourself' smile, Wells realized he had never been attracted to any woman more in his life.
Her face was glowing, her smile bright, and that...that was what had him feeling a little light-headed, if he was being honest.
"If that means you want me to fuck you, then I will," he went on. "But I'm just as happy to touch you. Or taste you."
"You have me," he agreed, and it sounded like a promise. A vow. And it was.
Wherever the two of them were together, that was home.
To say i was bitterly disappointed by this book would be an understatement. after really liking the first book, this one just let me down so much. I had so much hope and it was just shattered. I did like parts of the book and it really did have potential, however the execution was just flawed. 🥲
THE PLOT:
The second book of The Ex Hex series follows Viv's cousin Gwyn, a crazy and wild (and hilarious) witch looking to continue fueling the town with her ancestors' magic. Rhy's brother, Wells, opens a witch shop just across the street from Gwyns and they soon become rivals that develop romantic feelings for each other. Nothing is what it seems in Graves Glen, as Gwyn starts to lose her magic and this book follows the process of getting it back with the help of Wells and a current group of students at the town university.
MY THOUGHTS:
Right off the bat, the one thing that really irked me about this book was the plot. It felt so underdeveloped and incomplete at times while reading. It had gotten to the point where I was really trying to push myself to finish this and it ended up putting me in a small reading slump. It would be fair to say that the side characters COMPLETELY carried this book. The connection between the two mc's just didn't feel genuine. Yes, they were funny; yes, they were witty. However, I don't think it really made up in terms of carrying the plot. There was little to minuscule world building and character development. I just could not attach myself to these people no matter how hard I tried. This was definitely a miss for me. The plot "twists" at the end were very predictable and I'm not saying that's entirely a bad thing, but the fact that it only covered 5 pages really disappointed me. sigh..I really wanted this to be better than it was. Although, I did like the small amount of spice that was in here. It was the last thing I was expecting, but it was a nice surprise. 🥴
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES:
"You know, it was much better for me when you two didn't like each other"
"I've always liked Gwyn." Rhys protested.
"I didn't like you."
"Dickbag," Sir Purrcival said sleepily.
When her eyes briefly met his, her cheek dimpling with a 'go fuck yourself' smile, Wells realized he had never been attracted to any woman more in his life.
Her face was glowing, her smile bright, and that...that was what had him feeling a little light-headed, if he was being honest.
"If that means you want me to fuck you, then I will," he went on. "But I'm just as happy to touch you. Or taste you."
"You have me," he agreed, and it sounded like a promise. A vow. And it was.
Wherever the two of them were together, that was home.
August 30, 2023
✩ 3.5 stars
~
i definitely enjoyed this a little bit more then the ex hex.
~
it had more stakes while the first book was more just anti-climactic at times & yes this book had those moments but it did have more adrenaline spiked moments.
~
basically, just another good addicting, fast paced, cheesy-spooky halloween read.
~
also sir percival & the baby witches made this book sooo much more enjoyable!
~
before read:
now i just wish my hold on this book came off in october not in november :’(
~
i definitely enjoyed this a little bit more then the ex hex.
~
it had more stakes while the first book was more just anti-climactic at times & yes this book had those moments but it did have more adrenaline spiked moments.
~
basically, just another good addicting, fast paced, cheesy-spooky halloween read.
~
also sir percival & the baby witches made this book sooo much more enjoyable!
~
before read:
now i just wish my hold on this book came off in october not in november :’(
November 8, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ A fun, light-hearted witchy rom-com!
I haven't read The Ex-Hex, but if it's as cute as this story, I may have to add it to my October TBR.
UPDATE: My review of The Ex Hex
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ sassy, capable heroine
✨ broody, soft hero
✨ small town romance
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ LGBTQ rep
✨ banter
✨ mystery
✨ magical mayhem
What I liked:
Gwyn and Wells. I really enjoyed their characters. Gwyn is free-spirited, outspoken, and caring, while Wells is broody, serious, and loyal. He's hard to crack, but once Gwyn does, he's nothing but a soft-hearted simp.
The banter. Gwyn is sassy as hell, and Wells can dish it back but usually in a very posh manner, making their interactions very entertaining. Their tension definitely added to the romance.
"Gwyn had never thought of herself as a violent woman, but maybe, just maaaaybe, this man needed a good crack upside the head."
The small town setting. Someone mentioned on social media that this is like a magical Gilmore Girls, and I 100% agree! Graves Glen is basically Stars Hollow. This small town setting is incredibly charming and cozy that you'll want to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket while diving into this adorable rom-com.
What didn't work:
If you haven't read The Ex-Hex, you may feel a little disjointed at first. There was a bit of info dumping in the first two chapters because we needed to be brought up to speed with the events and characters in book 1. But once that was out of the way, it was smooth sailing.
The conflict really starts to happen around 85% of the book. The main focus of the story is the romance, so there wasn't as much setup for the conflict. And by the time it's starting to unfold, the story ends. This was a really low-stakes romance when it could have easily had a little more plot.
Gwyn getting her powers back with zero explanation as to why. What was up with that? She was just so powerful she broke the curse on her own? I really would have liked some answers.
The bit about Wells' crushing on a girl with purple hair in college (Gwyn) was weird. How did he not know it was Gwyn? They go to a tiny college with an even smaller percentage of witches. Plus, they were in the same year! And once Wells tells Gwyn he had a crush on this 'purple-haired woman,' she doesn't even tell him that it's her. And then, the flashback of them in college (when she had purple hair) at the beginning didn't have any sort of significance besides showing us how irritated Gwyn was with Wells for setting up the "rivals-to-lovers" trope. It was a weak plot point.
Overall, this was a sweet rom-com that's perfect for reading during the fall season.
Thank you Harper Collins and Avon Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
I haven't read The Ex-Hex, but if it's as cute as this story, I may have to add it to my October TBR.
UPDATE: My review of The Ex Hex
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ sassy, capable heroine
✨ broody, soft hero
✨ small town romance
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ LGBTQ rep
✨ banter
✨ mystery
✨ magical mayhem
What I liked:
Gwyn and Wells. I really enjoyed their characters. Gwyn is free-spirited, outspoken, and caring, while Wells is broody, serious, and loyal. He's hard to crack, but once Gwyn does, he's nothing but a soft-hearted simp.
The banter. Gwyn is sassy as hell, and Wells can dish it back but usually in a very posh manner, making their interactions very entertaining. Their tension definitely added to the romance.
"Gwyn had never thought of herself as a violent woman, but maybe, just maaaaybe, this man needed a good crack upside the head."
The small town setting. Someone mentioned on social media that this is like a magical Gilmore Girls, and I 100% agree! Graves Glen is basically Stars Hollow. This small town setting is incredibly charming and cozy that you'll want to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket while diving into this adorable rom-com.
What didn't work:
If you haven't read The Ex-Hex, you may feel a little disjointed at first. There was a bit of info dumping in the first two chapters because we needed to be brought up to speed with the events and characters in book 1. But once that was out of the way, it was smooth sailing.
The conflict really starts to happen around 85% of the book. The main focus of the story is the romance, so there wasn't as much setup for the conflict. And by the time it's starting to unfold, the story ends. This was a really low-stakes romance when it could have easily had a little more plot.
Gwyn getting her powers back with zero explanation as to why. What was up with that? She was just so powerful she broke the curse on her own? I really would have liked some answers.
The bit about Wells' crushing on a girl with purple hair in college (Gwyn) was weird. How did he not know it was Gwyn? They go to a tiny college with an even smaller percentage of witches. Plus, they were in the same year! And once Wells tells Gwyn he had a crush on this 'purple-haired woman,' she doesn't even tell him that it's her. And then, the flashback of them in college (when she had purple hair) at the beginning didn't have any sort of significance besides showing us how irritated Gwyn was with Wells for setting up the "rivals-to-lovers" trope. It was a weak plot point.
Overall, this was a sweet rom-com that's perfect for reading during the fall season.
Thank you Harper Collins and Avon Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
October 4, 2022
Erin Sterling returns to the cozy, halloween obsessed small town Graves Glen for her Witchy, swoon-worthy and utterly addictive sequel to the rom-com TikTok sensation, The Ex Hex. If you loved The Gilmore Girls or Sabrina The Teenage Witch
It follows Gwyn Jones who is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She’s formed a powerful new coven with her family; she’s running a successful witch shop called Something Wicked and she’s even mentoring some of the town’s younger witches. There’s only one problem—Llewellyn ‘Wells’ Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen for two reasons—to reestablish his family’s connection with the town and to finally make a new life for himself away from his father. But, after opening a magic shop just across the road from Gwyn’s, he quickly realises that going up against her won’t be as easy as he initially thought…especially after an accidental, magic inspired (and very hot) kiss.
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…
The Ex Hex was one of my fave reads last year so I was soo unbelievably excited to get the opportunity to review The Kiss Curse. And honestly, it lived up to all my expectations! It’s witchy, sexy and full of flirtatious banter I couldn’t get enough of. I loved returning to Graves Glen and seeing Vivi and Rhys again, but I have to admit Gwyn was definitely a one of my fave characters in The Ex Hex and I’m glad she finally got her own book.
Gwyn is a snarky and delightfully witty protagonist that I absolutely adored and her chemistry with Wells was incredible. Likewise, Wells—Rhys Penhallow’s stern and serious older brother was a really sweet, secret cinnamon roll of a character whose attraction and subsequent feelings for Gwyn melt his standoffish barriers and make Wells reevaluate his relationship with his father, who very much despises the Jones women.
I’m a sucker for enemies/rivals to lovers and GrumpyxSunshine tropes so I loved every glorious second of Gwyn and Wells’ flirty, tension filled rivalry—and their antics in trying to outdo one another was just soo humorous!
I really enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the baby witches who Gwyn mentors (I’m hoping we’ll see more of them in future preferably alongside Bowen, Rhys and Wells’ other brother) but my absolute fave has to be Gwyn’s treat-loving, talking cat, Sir Purrcival who’s even more hilarious than he was in The Ex Hex.
There are some really enjoyable steamy scenes (particularly the pickup truck scene) so do bear this in mind if you prefer closed door/ clean romances.
Overall, an exceptionally entertaining and enjoyable witchy romance full of talking cats, intriguingly magic mysteries and loveable characters that will have to racing through this spellbindingly swoon-worthy read.
A huge thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for the e-arc.
It follows Gwyn Jones who is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She’s formed a powerful new coven with her family; she’s running a successful witch shop called Something Wicked and she’s even mentoring some of the town’s younger witches. There’s only one problem—Llewellyn ‘Wells’ Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen for two reasons—to reestablish his family’s connection with the town and to finally make a new life for himself away from his father. But, after opening a magic shop just across the road from Gwyn’s, he quickly realises that going up against her won’t be as easy as he initially thought…especially after an accidental, magic inspired (and very hot) kiss.
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…
The Ex Hex was one of my fave reads last year so I was soo unbelievably excited to get the opportunity to review The Kiss Curse. And honestly, it lived up to all my expectations! It’s witchy, sexy and full of flirtatious banter I couldn’t get enough of. I loved returning to Graves Glen and seeing Vivi and Rhys again, but I have to admit Gwyn was definitely a one of my fave characters in The Ex Hex and I’m glad she finally got her own book.
Gwyn is a snarky and delightfully witty protagonist that I absolutely adored and her chemistry with Wells was incredible. Likewise, Wells—Rhys Penhallow’s stern and serious older brother was a really sweet, secret cinnamon roll of a character whose attraction and subsequent feelings for Gwyn melt his standoffish barriers and make Wells reevaluate his relationship with his father, who very much despises the Jones women.
I’m a sucker for enemies/rivals to lovers and GrumpyxSunshine tropes so I loved every glorious second of Gwyn and Wells’ flirty, tension filled rivalry—and their antics in trying to outdo one another was just soo humorous!
I really enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the baby witches who Gwyn mentors (I’m hoping we’ll see more of them in future preferably alongside Bowen, Rhys and Wells’ other brother) but my absolute fave has to be Gwyn’s treat-loving, talking cat, Sir Purrcival who’s even more hilarious than he was in The Ex Hex.
There are some really enjoyable steamy scenes (particularly the pickup truck scene) so do bear this in mind if you prefer closed door/ clean romances.
Overall, an exceptionally entertaining and enjoyable witchy romance full of talking cats, intriguingly magic mysteries and loveable characters that will have to racing through this spellbindingly swoon-worthy read.
A huge thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for the e-arc.
July 28, 2024
3.5 stars
nobody here pay any mind to the fact that i did not, in fact, read book one, but i thought this was cute!! totally typical witchy romance and rivals to lovers situation here, very surface level plot and low-stakes conflict, somewhat ridiculous main character and writing style, but when it comes to sexual tension, this author doesn't PLAY. i was not expecting it!!
if you need something to fly through any time of year, but especially in the fall time, this was very cute and easy to hold my interest. talking cats, welsh men, small town coffee shops? come get your juice
nobody here pay any mind to the fact that i did not, in fact, read book one, but i thought this was cute!! totally typical witchy romance and rivals to lovers situation here, very surface level plot and low-stakes conflict, somewhat ridiculous main character and writing style, but when it comes to sexual tension, this author doesn't PLAY. i was not expecting it!!
if you need something to fly through any time of year, but especially in the fall time, this was very cute and easy to hold my interest. talking cats, welsh men, small town coffee shops? come get your juice
February 28, 2023
I'm so disappointed... I enjoyed ex hex and Gwen was my favorite character as she is Sapphic and I was hoping for a fun magical wlw book but alas we get the same story from before...
September 19, 2022
I adored this. After enjoying The Ex Hex last year, I was highly anticipating Gwyn's book. Her and Well's are fantastic and Sir Purcivil really is the star of the show. The Baby Witches are also outstanding. I loved the Supernatural reference and found myself cracking up with laughter through a lot of this book. I really do hope there are more books from Graves Glenn as I adore this town. Kind of hoping we might get a book from Bowen.
Massive 5 stars from me, perfect autumn witchy read.
Massive 5 stars from me, perfect autumn witchy read.
October 26, 2022
The plot & romance definitely got an upgrade but the ending was suuuuuper rushed just like the first book.
February 17, 2023
The Kiss Curse is pretty funny book. It is romance but with a magic on it. Rom com. I saw this series getting reviewed a lot on goodreads. So I thought to give it a try.
Not disappointed. The banter is funny. It has me laughing. Even with some magic theme, the writing and the plot is not difficult to follow.
4 stars
Not disappointed. The banter is funny. It has me laughing. Even with some magic theme, the writing and the plot is not difficult to follow.
4 stars
Read
February 15, 2022gwyn and wells? need this. immediately. wake me up when september is here honestly i was not living for this year anyways
October 13, 2022
SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE EX HEX. it was unexpected for me to finish this in a day but OMG. this book brought me so much comfort and everything. SUCH A FAST PACED AND COMFORT READ.
September 5, 2024
This is the perfect fall romance book and no one can tell me differently. I adored Gwyn from The Ex Hex and was so excited to know we were getting a whole book about her. She is full of sass and knows what she wants in life. She is so protective of the people she loves and I just love her spunk.
She is running her families store when Rhys older brother, Wells, comes into town and sets up a similar store right across the street. She has a lot of hate in her heart for Wells and is extremely mad that he decided to do this. The enemies to lovers in this book goes hard and is *chefs kiss* amazing. I adore Wells and the witty banter between the two is phenomenal.
While they're both getting ready for Halloween something sinister is going on in town. Something is stealing Gwyn's magic. Wells, Gwyn, and some of the new Witches from the university are trying to solve the problem.
I loved the plot of this story even more so than The Ex Hex. I think the pacing is superb and I loved all of the new characters that we meet throughout the book. The romance was full of spice, but didn't take away from the plot of the story, it just added to it!
I really hope the author writes more books about this town and these characters because I love them so much.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
She is running her families store when Rhys older brother, Wells, comes into town and sets up a similar store right across the street. She has a lot of hate in her heart for Wells and is extremely mad that he decided to do this. The enemies to lovers in this book goes hard and is *chefs kiss* amazing. I adore Wells and the witty banter between the two is phenomenal.
While they're both getting ready for Halloween something sinister is going on in town. Something is stealing Gwyn's magic. Wells, Gwyn, and some of the new Witches from the university are trying to solve the problem.
I loved the plot of this story even more so than The Ex Hex. I think the pacing is superb and I loved all of the new characters that we meet throughout the book. The romance was full of spice, but didn't take away from the plot of the story, it just added to it!
I really hope the author writes more books about this town and these characters because I love them so much.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2023
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
This is such a cozy book that you can read in October. 🎃
This is such a cozy book that you can read in October. 🎃
October 17, 2022
What a PERFECT Halloween 🎃 read! I loved this!!! And it was even better than the first book!!!
First off, it goes without saying that Sir Purrcival 🐈⬛ was the obvious star of this book…as he should be! ☺️
In this instalment of the Ex Hex 🧙♀️ series, we follow Gwyn - Vivi’s cousin - and Wells - Rhys’ brother. And as the owners of rival magic shops across the street from each other, the rivals-to-lovers trope provided wonderfully hilarious entertainment here, including the Baby Witches! 🥰
My only critique from the previous book was the romance, which was much improved in this instalment! Vivi and Wells had me *swooning*! 😍 Gwyn’s sassy and rebellious streak perfectly balanced out Wells’ broody and reserved demeanour.
Here’s to hoping we’ll get a third book following the third brother, Bowen, next Halloween! 😁🤞🏻 In fact, I’ll take a book for every person living in Graves Glen. I adore the Halloweentown 👻 and Gilmore Girls 🍂 vibes so much, and don’t want them to end!
First off, it goes without saying that Sir Purrcival 🐈⬛ was the obvious star of this book…as he should be! ☺️
In this instalment of the Ex Hex 🧙♀️ series, we follow Gwyn - Vivi’s cousin - and Wells - Rhys’ brother. And as the owners of rival magic shops across the street from each other, the rivals-to-lovers trope provided wonderfully hilarious entertainment here, including the Baby Witches! 🥰
My only critique from the previous book was the romance, which was much improved in this instalment! Vivi and Wells had me *swooning*! 😍 Gwyn’s sassy and rebellious streak perfectly balanced out Wells’ broody and reserved demeanour.
Here’s to hoping we’ll get a third book following the third brother, Bowen, next Halloween! 😁🤞🏻 In fact, I’ll take a book for every person living in Graves Glen. I adore the Halloweentown 👻 and Gilmore Girls 🍂 vibes so much, and don’t want them to end!
October 15, 2022
4 ⭐️
Very enjoyable read and perfect for spooky season! I’ll always love reading about witches.
I don’t think you understand how much I want to somehow teleport myself into this book and get Sir Purrcival. I NEED THAT CAT IN MY LIFE!!
Very enjoyable read and perfect for spooky season! I’ll always love reading about witches.
I don’t think you understand how much I want to somehow teleport myself into this book and get Sir Purrcival. I NEED THAT CAT IN MY LIFE!!
November 16, 2022
3.5 stars for this cute witchy book. I loved The Ex Hex and this one was just as charming.
The series is about witches living in a charming small town, dealing with magic going haywire around them while maneuvering around their romance feels, it's almost like a Hocus Pocus/The Vampire Diaries minus the vamps.
In this one, Gwyn teams up with the new hottie, Wells, the nemesis that built shop right in front of hers in order to get her magic back.
Genre: RomCom
Tropes: enemies to lovers
HEA: Yes
Steam: Slowburn
The series is about witches living in a charming small town, dealing with magic going haywire around them while maneuvering around their romance feels, it's almost like a Hocus Pocus/The Vampire Diaries minus the vamps.
In this one, Gwyn teams up with the new hottie, Wells, the nemesis that built shop right in front of hers in order to get her magic back.
Genre: RomCom
Tropes: enemies to lovers
HEA: Yes
Steam: Slowburn
Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,885 reviews