Member Reviews
Hex and Hexability is the third novel in the 'Hex ... ' series by Kate Johnson and each of the novels work perfectly well as standalones (though i recommend that you read the series in order and enjoy all of the hexing). The first novel is Hex Appeal and introduces us to Essie Winterscale and her family (found family mostly) as they try to live in harmony with the non-magical world around them. In Hex in the City, our protagonist is Poppy, a witch with hair that Rapunzel would envy and magical powers that are usual chaotic. And in Hex and Hexability, the storyline is firmly historical. Our protagonist is one, Lady Tiffany Worthington, a witch who is unaware of her powers and our pirate, who may prove helpful ... or aid to her woes. Add in a cast of crazy characters and you have another a funny, magical romance, the type of lighthearted read that lifts your spirits and makes you feel good.
Regency with a twist and perfectly done. This was a fantastic read, inventive, fun, original and very true to regency history, which I loved. Georgette Heyer meets Deborah Harkness. I've read all three of Kate Johnson's witchy books and she's surpassed herself with this one. No one writes such brilliant independent heroines quite like she does or rakish heroes with an understanding side.
This is a solid 4.5 star rating for me, rounded up to 5 stars.
I love historical fiction, but sometimes the tales can be quite heavy or serious. This story was a little bag of everything. There was a lightness and innocence mixed with witchcraft and tension. It was just the cosy magical read I was needing.
I really enjoyed the slow burn between Tiffany and Santiago and the friendship and loyalty of the other witches too. I hated Elinor. she was definitely a character written to push those modern day buttons.
That time period was such a man's world, with women only seeming to live to wed and bear heirs. Tiffany is a woman that realises she doesn't want to marry into a loveless marriage and to not have her independence. Then she meets the lovable pirate Santiago. He could be just the man she didn't know she was looking for.
The added bonus of witchcraft and spells, made this book so easy and enjoyable to read. It was highly entertaining and I was rooting for the two main characters to get their HEA and for Elinor to get a dose of humble pie.
This is my second read by Kate and I look forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Every new book in this series has always been a must read, as they’re the cosiest, loveliest and most easily readable books out there. Peppered with romance and magic, they’re easy to while away the hours into a good book with.
And this one, set in the regency era and with all the hype of Bridgerton, if you love witches, magic and this historical period, it’s a must read!
Lady Tiffany is your typical regency lady, except she doesn’t want to get married, she loathes ruffles and the pink that dulls her complexion and finds out she’s a witch. So, maybe not typical at all! But when she meets an eligible duke with a somewhat of a piratical air, she is still adamant she doesn’t want to marry. Except…
It was so entertaining and certainly made my train journey go faster! As always, I seem to finish them in no time and thoroughly enjoyed the historical element of this book.
I've read one other Kate Johnson, book and was eager to read the next "Hex" novel she wrote. I have not read all her books, as my TBR is bigger than one of my bookshelves at the moment (only slight exaggeration). Hex and Hexability was an overall quick and enjoyable read, with a few twists and turns along the way.
First off, I loved that for a Regency Era novel, Johnson embraced the "Tiffany Problem," or the problem when things in a historical novel are true but are almost too unbelievable for the reader. Naming the main character Tiffany, was definitely a fun little nod to the fact that Tiffany is not just a common name now, it's historically been a popular name for centuries.
Tiffany at first does not realize that she is a witch, even with some odd events that follow her before meeting her Aunt Esme. The story follows Tiffany as she discovers her powers and addresses a few magical crises along the way. Heads up, if you're adverse to the word "bosom," this is a word that frequently crops up in this historical romance. This book definitely kept my interest, and was a blend of romance, adventure, and witchcraft. Tiffany does start the novel as a very naive unwilling debutante, wanting nothing but to be independent and anti-marriage. The reader gets to watch as she evolves and learns of new ways life can be lived. We also get to see what happens when people have their own bias and misinterpret what others are communicating to us. It's a little like Bridgerton with witches without the questionable consent (I have some strong feelings on a certain scene in the first Bridgerton book which completely turned me off the book as a series).
Please be advised that I received an Advance Reader's Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was full of my favorite things: regency era, captivating characters, magical abilities, a cute cover and fantastic writing. I’ll be recommending this to all of my friends to read. Such a cozy vibe.
Fairytale vibes weave through this rather magical tale of toleration, repression, and liberation! Pirates, sea monsters, witches, and those intolerable aristocrats that just can't seem to get over themselves and are locked in the world of boring. Genuine fun with a satisfying HEA !
I was invited by the publisher to read this book. And I LOVED it. I mean just yes to it all - the play on the title, the Regency era setting, London, all of the magic elements with portals and creatures, all of it. The book is about Lady Tiffany who learns she is a witch who eventually learns that her magic is not a curse, but if she flips her perspective then she is able to see how her magic could be useful and helpful. All within the most amazing setting, and with some funny moments to boot.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK/One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book immensely. When a young woman meets her great aunt, her world opens up to magic and self acceptance. Growing up without parents, her sister in law begrudgingly tutored her into a life of strict rules within the regency era. Fortunately, her skill as a witch is nurtured by her new family and friends and she finds a new world of adventure and love. There's humor, love and acceptance. I read this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Tiffany Worthington knows she’s different from the other debutantes, she has a talent she is trying desperately to hide. Elinor, her sister in law, is insisting that she try harder to attract a husband during her season and it would seem that anyone would do. When great aunt Esme suddenly appears on the scene, Tiffany begins to realise that she can live her life her own way, and the arrival of Santiago adds extra tension to an already nerve wracking situation.
A really easy read, I love the idea of Tiffany’s abilities, which get stronger as she gives into Esmes teaching and encouragement. Along the way she meets several like minded women, who all live exactly as they want, not conforming to societies many rules, that treat women as a commodity to be offered to the highest bidder..
The tension between Tiffany and Santiago becomes more interesting as the book goes on, especially when he is forced to try to become a gentleman and almost blackmails Tiffany into helping him. There are some really interesting characters, like Esme, who could have a book to herself. Elinor comes across as very bland and not at all likeable, a woman on a mission, to get the best possible marriage for Tiffany, that will reflect well on the family. Loved the unexpected twist that explains a lot of the background to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved this book. This was a great mixture of historical fiction, witches and pirates with a great romance thrown in for good measure. The unique magic suggestion were brilliant, I loved some of the new twists. You'll have to read it to find out!