bellatoric's review
4.0
This book had me rolling on the floor with laughter, smiling until my cheeks hurt, and blushing like a tomato. Kate does an amazing job creating a spooky setting, giving me the best Hocus Pocus vibes. It contained so many great moments, that I was dreading the end because I just didn't want to leave this new world within Hex Appeal. Their romance was beyond hilarious and so intoxicating, and the characters themselves were written so well as a reader I couldn't help but love and cheer them on the entire time.
For spooky season, this has easily topped my must reads of this year. It was action packed, drama filled, romantic, and just a feel good read by the end of it. There's magic, badass female heroes, and so many spooky vibes that I couldn't contain my giddiness as I was reading it. This is a book I couldn't get enough of and honestly need more of!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for this ARC!
For spooky season, this has easily topped my must reads of this year. It was action packed, drama filled, romantic, and just a feel good read by the end of it. There's magic, badass female heroes, and so many spooky vibes that I couldn't contain my giddiness as I was reading it. This is a book I couldn't get enough of and honestly need more of!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for this ARC!
heliotropia's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ezaylor's review
4.0
I really liked this one! I was in the mood for a witchy romance & this was the perfect book for that. The characters were fun & quirky. At times it felt a little slow, but overall really enjoyed! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
maggie_reeves1995's review
4.0
Thank you to Net Gallery and Harper Collins UK for this ARC.
Kate Johnson has created a cozy and whimsical autumn rom com to get you in the holiday spirit but it is also so much more than that. You think you’re reading a cute little witchy romance but soon realize you’re swept further into this world with all the wonders the witches have to offer. You feel like you’re inside Beldam House and all its intricacies displayed for you. I highly encourage if you are a fan of The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling or just wanting a good read for spooky season.
Kate Johnson has created a cozy and whimsical autumn rom com to get you in the holiday spirit but it is also so much more than that. You think you’re reading a cute little witchy romance but soon realize you’re swept further into this world with all the wonders the witches have to offer. You feel like you’re inside Beldam House and all its intricacies displayed for you. I highly encourage if you are a fan of The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling or just wanting a good read for spooky season.
kitmdp's review
4.0
Hex Appeal
by Kate Johnson
4.5 stars
I enjoyed the outline of this book a witch that lives in a house that doesn't stop changing and knows what you need, with two other witches. Essie just wants to be normal and you get to see how vulnerable she can be, she's worried about her powers and what might happen if she gets close to another guy. As we follow Essie's story she meets a guy that she doesn't want to leave but she knows it won't work. Then it just gets more twisty and in several different directions doing a ritual to make winter come, also a time door to bring you to the past. It's a very good story just a little too much at times. I will be checking out a few by Kate.
Thank you, Net Galley and HarperCollins for the eARC for an honest review.
by Kate Johnson
4.5 stars
I enjoyed the outline of this book a witch that lives in a house that doesn't stop changing and knows what you need, with two other witches. Essie just wants to be normal and you get to see how vulnerable she can be, she's worried about her powers and what might happen if she gets close to another guy. As we follow Essie's story she meets a guy that she doesn't want to leave but she knows it won't work. Then it just gets more twisty and in several different directions doing a ritual to make winter come, also a time door to bring you to the past. It's a very good story just a little too much at times. I will be checking out a few by Kate.
Thank you, Net Galley and HarperCollins for the eARC for an honest review.
l1nds's review
5.0
This is a bold claim, but I think I love this as much as Practical Magic?? I don't know, maybe I've just read too many disappointing witchy romances billed as being 'perfect for fans of Practical Magic' or 'Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls' or 'Hocus Pocus but they bang'. Reader, they were NOT, but THIS had the exact vibes I was looking for when I read those descriptions!
It's funny, sweet and sexy. But also, crucially, it's spikey, and the magic is central to the plot and features strongly throughout. Not naming any names (you know who you are!) but the magic has been more of an afterthought in similar books, with scant references throughout and then you get to about 80% and suddenly it's all 'oh no we need a Big Dramatic Magical Moment, oops'!
It's funny, sweet and sexy. But also, crucially, it's spikey, and the magic is central to the plot and features strongly throughout. Not naming any names (you know who you are!) but the magic has been more of an afterthought in similar books, with scant references throughout and then you get to about 80% and suddenly it's all 'oh no we need a Big Dramatic Magical Moment, oops'!
lucyp747d4's review
3.0
(3.5)
I’d like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving me for an ARC of this book, after reading and enjoying The ex Hex by Erin Sterling I was on the lookout for another fun, witchy read to sink my teeth into.
This book screamed Hocus Pocus meets the Gilmore Girls! With its close-knit coven, sarcasm and an enemies-to-lovers romance, there’s plenty to keep us entertained. I loved the different witches in the coven and the powers they each possessed. From knitting the future to keeping the ice cream frozen, their powers seem to offer help with everyday living but when the knitting predicts something bad it has them all on tenterhooks.
I was very interested in the history of Bedlam Hall and the witch hunter, I almost wish we’d had even more history, especially when we end up back in 1634. I could have easily stayed there a little longer and seen how Essie and Josh coped in that time period. The unwinding of the family secret and its repercussions were well thought out and I liked the twists and turns along the way. Essie seems to have a very complicated history with her mother and once again I wanted to know more about the two of them, I feel there could be an entire second book on these two women!
The magic, the history and the friendships between the women were my favourite parts. I didn’t warm to Essie and Josh as a couple as much but I could appreciate the sentiment. For me, I felt that Essie was such a strong character and the added romance only complicated the story.
This was a cosy, easy read where the magic just sparkled off the pages. I’d love to see a sequel and find out what is next for Essie and the coven.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving me for an ARC of this book, after reading and enjoying The ex Hex by Erin Sterling I was on the lookout for another fun, witchy read to sink my teeth into.
This book screamed Hocus Pocus meets the Gilmore Girls! With its close-knit coven, sarcasm and an enemies-to-lovers romance, there’s plenty to keep us entertained. I loved the different witches in the coven and the powers they each possessed. From knitting the future to keeping the ice cream frozen, their powers seem to offer help with everyday living but when the knitting predicts something bad it has them all on tenterhooks.
I was very interested in the history of Bedlam Hall and the witch hunter, I almost wish we’d had even more history, especially when we end up back in 1634. I could have easily stayed there a little longer and seen how Essie and Josh coped in that time period. The unwinding of the family secret and its repercussions were well thought out and I liked the twists and turns along the way. Essie seems to have a very complicated history with her mother and once again I wanted to know more about the two of them, I feel there could be an entire second book on these two women!
The magic, the history and the friendships between the women were my favourite parts. I didn’t warm to Essie and Josh as a couple as much but I could appreciate the sentiment. For me, I felt that Essie was such a strong character and the added romance only complicated the story.
This was a cosy, easy read where the magic just sparkled off the pages. I’d love to see a sequel and find out what is next for Essie and the coven.
thebookishbree's review
3.0
I liked this one! This was the first spooky season/witchy book I picked up this year and it had me pleasantly surprised. Halfway through after a main conflict was resolved I was left wondering what else could happen and boy did Kate Johnson deliver. The twists and turns shocked even me, and I read it in one sitting.
The romance, the witches, the time travel, and the love all had me hooked.
Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollinsUk, One More Chapter for this fun witchy read in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a fan of Hocus Pocus, witches and Halloween but also romance you’ll love this one.
Out 10/1
The romance, the witches, the time travel, and the love all had me hooked.
Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollinsUk, One More Chapter for this fun witchy read in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a fan of Hocus Pocus, witches and Halloween but also romance you’ll love this one.
Out 10/1
isabellm's review
3.0
This was a fun, spooky, witchy read set in Essex. I really liked Essie, being the sort of head of Beldam House and discovering the true importance of her role and powers. Josh was adorably sweet and you just wanted to reach in give him a hug at various points. Essie and Josh together were cute, engaging and had some really nice sparky chemistry from the start. There were some fun, quirky supporting characters who helped build the picture of this little world (I hope Blessing and Avery get their own stories) and you had a good villain for our heroes to overcome as well. (3 ⭐️)