The title itself made this a must read for me. I've really been getting into witchy romcoms lately and this is a great one. I giggled and was devouring this whole story.
Highly recommended read.

Adorable. The perfect cosy witchy romance for autumn! I love Dina and her mother and their Moroccan heritage. Immy was my absolute fave character too, loved her quirkiness and love for Dina. The spice was just the right amount, I couldn’t get enough of the recipes and spells and Dina and Scott were relationship goals.

Really enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Cornerstone for approving me for this ARC. I love a good cosy read especially with witchy vibes so this is just my kind of thing.

I really enjoyed the opening of the cafe. The descriptions were done well for a debut and I could feel myself being transported into the cafe with its vibes and atmosphere. I did feel the descriptions of British weather weren’t quite accurate. I lived in London for 10 years and I still live in the UK, and we do not have the four seasons the author seems to be describing.

Dina is a kitchen witch, and I loved all the descriptions of her baking, the food, her witchcraft. It’s definitely a very cosy book and ideal for autumn reading.

The book mostly takes place across a weekend for a wedding at a house in the woods. Dina is the maid of honour and Scott is the best man. I really enjoyed the house setting. I’ve read quite a few romances set during a wedding destination and they start to get repetitive but this felt quite original.

One of my favourite things is a sentient house (not the wedding house) and this book had a sentient house! I was overjoyed when we came to this part. The house was hilarious and meddlesome. I loved it.

This was a fun lighthearted read. I think it was well-written for a debut. It is spicy and there is definite lust at first sight between the main characters which ran through the novel. I prefer more love than lust but I also generally prefer more closed door romances. I wouldn’t read it again but I think if you’re looking for a cosy, charming, happy witchy autumnal read, centred around female friendship, then this would be right up your street. (We can only do so much gothic eerie vibes.)

I’ve rated this 3 stars.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I enjoyed parts of it, but I ended up skim reading it towards the end because I was waiting for the big reveal about the hex. I felt the relationship between the two main characters was very rushed, but this could have been explained by some type of magic/witchy soulmates, etc, but it was never delved into.

I don't mind smut, but there was a lot, and it didn't advance the plot. The two main characters were constantly talking about how much they wanted to rip each other's clothes off. The magic felt like a side plot, and the hex was sorted in one chapter. I wanted more about the hex and trying to defeat it.

However, it was OK as a cozy, smut read.

5/5

Debut author Nadia El-Fassi brews up a delightful blend of magic, wedding shenanigans, pesky hexes, and sizzling romance in one bewitching debut. In a magical cafe in London, a kitchen witch fends off a love hex by guarding her heart from potential love interests and focusing on perfecting magical bakes for her clientele. Too bad her handsome new customer is the best man at her friend's wedding and avoiding him is impossible as they'll be stuck together for the entire weekend. Best Hex Ever promises a twist on that classic witch story imbued with coziness and served piping hot with a side of chai. Dina and Scott have the kind of instantaneous connection that had me hooked on their every interaction. Best Hex Ever is a wonderfully magical romance with sparks that ignite into an inferno (seriously this book is so hot). Nadia El-Fassi proves that romance and magic are often intertwined and some connections are their own kind of magic. I’m certain many readers will find themselves in this miraculous romance novel about charting your path and opening yourself up to love again. Nadia El-Fassi brings together a one-of-a-kind witchy debut that needs to be at the top of your list this fall.

This will be featured on my blog closer to publication.

This is a really lovely cosy fantasy romance. The different settings were beautifully positioned throughout the story. I enjoyed every character but particularly Dina - I found it really interesting for the heroine of a tale to make a genuine mistake and suffer actual consequences for her actions but still be treated sensitively so the reader understand her struggles. I thought the whole premise was well introduced and the secondary characters added to the plot and context. It was an easy read but with enough depth to remain interesting and gripping throughout.

I loved it! Just loved it! I've already pre-ordered it on Waterstones to read again. I'm more of a paperback reader myself so I am looking forward to experiencing the joy that this book was, again!

This is one that I'm not sure what to make of. On the one hand, this was a quick, easy read and there were some really sweet moments between the MCs and their family and friends. I loved the relationship that the MCs had with them and I wished that had been expanded on a bit, just to give more meaning to those friendships. I do also appreciate this was a bit of a change in genre for me, so that was definitely a good thing!

I also wished other elements had been expanded on a bit too, especially around Dina's magic - there were some really interesting details thrown in, but were never really explained. It felt like there was a lot of telling, rather than showing how different things worked or showing the friendship dynamics.

Linked to that, the romance felt a bit insta-romance to me and took place over a very short period of time. It led to the later part of the book feeling a bit rushed and it felt like it was all resolved a bit too easily. I get the overall message of the story, but I felt like the biggest obstacle in the romance didn't add a lot of tension.

That said, I did enjoy this as a break in between some of the longer books I've been reading and I would consider picking up another book by this author.

🎃🍂 If you’re looking for the perfect Autumn day sit down, feet up spicy read, this book is for you! 🍂🎃

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for offering me an ARC for this book.
Our story begins with Dina, the loveable witchy FMC who owns a cosy, magic-infused cafe in London, whose world simultaneously comes together and falls apart as a mysterious man crosses the boundary into her cafe.
Think insta-love, lots of spice with fairly low stakes and charming characters.
Though I would have liked to see more chemistry between the love interests, this is a great book to get out of a reading slump or just to kick your feet up with a cup of tea on a cold day.

Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author Nadia El-Fassi for allowing me to read an arc copy of this title.

I have had a great time reading Best Hex Ever. Last October I think I overdid it when reading witchy romance books, so in all honesty this is the first one that I've read since then. And I'm so glad that I did.

Summary:

Best Hex Ever is a story about a Dina Whitlock, a witch that runs her own coffee shop, full of wonderful blends and pastries that has also a little magical essence too. She unexpectedly bumps into Scott, a museum curator. Little did they know, they actually have something in common. Their friends who are about to wed. However Dina hasn't had the best luck in relationships after being hexed some years ago and has to find a way to break it in order to find her true happiness in love.

In this story the two main characters share an almost instant chemistry, some scenes are filled with brilliant sexual tension leaving the reader wanting more. I genuinely thought that this book would take me a while to read after being exhausted with witchy romance books last year, but actually this title had quite the opposite effect on me and I just could not put it down.

Best Hex Ever is full of magical intrigue, it has a really interesting plot, some brilliant/interesting characters and some rather steamy scenes too. I would say the spice rating is probably at 3 out of 5, most are well written, however there are some that were a little too cringy for me personally. This being the only reason why I wasn't able to give this book the full 5 star rating. But this is just my personal preference, whereas I know of others that will love reading these types of scenes with the wording that is used.

I really enjoyed reading Best Hex Ever, and I would absolutely purchase it upon release and it is a perfect cosy romance read for the colder months.

I have already recommended it to a friend and will have no problems with recommending it to many others too.

I will not be reviewing this book as it unfortunately expired on my NetGalley shelf before I was able to read it. My review is based on the blurb of the book, which I will be reading when it was released.

Best Hex Ever is so cute and cosy, I really enjoyed it! Insta-love is always a hit for me and this book just checks the boxes! The spice is SPICY - in the best way - and the characters are really loveable. My only wish is that the magic system was a little more fleshed out - but this definitely scratched the cosy romance itch!

Best Hex Ever is a cosy witchy romance, which made me smile from the first page till the end. Dina is a witch with a curse that everyone she falls for will be hurt. She tends to break things off with partners soon, but when she meets Scoot, Dina realises that he's a dangerous man as she can fall for him.
However, fate has it that the two keep meeting each other as they are both attending their best friends' wedding. The more time they spend together, the more time their feelings grow, and it's time for Dina to finally face the source of her curse.

This story was so cute and had just enough witchy elements to make it perfect for the Halloween season.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for a digital ARC.

This was such a cute book
I literally just wanted to hug it and the characters

I miss autumn in London so much 😭 so this made me want to be in October 😂

The sweetest cosiest romance! Dina is so relatable, the writing flows so well, it might actually be too succinct, I was desperate for more Dina and Scott moments!

I can see this becoming a hit in the autumn when everyone is looking for a book that feels so warm and sweet.

Best Hex Ever is a spicy, spooky and soft romance novel! This was a very quick read and I really enjoyed it! The magic was simple and easy to understand and the descriptions of the baking magic were truly unlike anything I have read before. I felt like I was in the cafe with the characters enjoying the baked goods for myself and experiencing the magic that they
were laced with. The romance was very fast moving, definitely not for you if you prefer a slow burn, but I did feel that we got to know the characters but I would have enjoyed more of their conversations and relationship development. A lot of this seemed to happen off page while we were privy to the spicier elements of their budding romance. I would recommend this as a light and fluffy read in the autumn or spooky season. The magic and the descriptions felt like stepping into that time of year and it was a very enjoyable read!

E-ARC review - The Best Hex by Nadia El-Fassi 😍
Firstly thank you NetGalley/ Nadia for allowing me to pre-read this beautiful book!!

Release date: Thursday 3rd October 2024 🎉

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 👏🏻

UGH! I fell in love with this book after 3 pages. It's a captivating magical masterpiece that effortlessly blends witchy vibes with an enchanting romantic love story. ❤️‍🔥

This book delivers such a wonderful heartwarming fairytale ending while imparting incredible lessons about self-love and acceptance, making it an essential addition to any reader's collection! 📚

With elements of whimsical fantasy, this book I'm recommending to everyone as that cosy summer time read for 2024!

** DINA & SCOTT ** 👌🏻
The romance is a slow burn! Dina and Scott's relationship develops gradually, filled with moments of serious lust & tension, trust-building, super spicy scenes and shared magical experiences.

The chemistry between them is electric, and their evolving bond is both tender and passionate, making for an ultimate romantic love story that keeps you eagerly turning - I absorbed every page.

** SELF-LOVE ** 🥹
At its heart, the story is about self-discovery and acceptance. That only you - are always your worst enemy. Diana's relationship journey, embracing her sexuality, magical identity and to love herself despite her 'perceived flaws' is profoundly moving. I was a blubbering mess at the end! 😭

Scott, Immy, Eric, Rosemary & her parents unwavering support and acceptance play a crucial role in her transformation, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with those who see and love us for who we truly are. ✨

** THAT fairytale ending! ** ☁️
The book concludes with a perfect fairytale ending, where every person finds their place and every conflict is resolved with a touch of magic, love & acceptance. It’s an ending that feels both heartwarming and well-earned, leaving you with such a sense of fulfillment and joy.

** Overall Thoughts 💭 **
Nadia has woven a wonderful, enchanting tale in The Best Hex. I don't usually rate cosy reads with a 5 Star - but this five-star book is a must for anyone who loves a blend of magic, romance, and meaningful life lessons. The slow-burn romance, accompanied by lots of juicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️, coupled with the emotional self discovery journey - makes it a standout story that resonates deeply.

The Best Hex is my ideal fairytale, lighthearted romance, that will leave you believing in the magic of love and the power of being true to yourself. 💜💜💜

.. Now take me to Dina's cafe & let me eat all the delicious bakery creations! ✨🥐

A fun quirky read with an excellent blend of romance and magic. A great cast of characters and a friendship group I wish I could join.

My favourite parts:
- (Putting aside the questionable nature of charming people's baked goods and hot drinks when they come to your cafe without their knowledge) I do think the concept of infusing them with happy memories so it evokes that feeling is pretty cool and the setting of Serendipity evoked the cosy fantasy vibe of the genre!
- I found Dina and her dad's relationship to be very wholesome, in fact their whole family + the house scenes brought a smile to my face.
- I love a healthy trio friendship where they're honest with and support each other in all their endeavours
- the Britishness of it all! The focus on tea, wet autumns and gothic estates added to the cosiness for me

The parts I wished could have been improved:
- I didn't anticipate the romance between Scott and Dina to be insta-love (i do prefer to read the blurb and forget about it so I can go in blind for a better reading experience so this may be my bad) and it's typically not my vibe, however, it didn't seem their relationship developed beyond mutual sexual attraction and insatiable lust for each other in the short time they got to know each other before falling in love
- The spicy scenes. I enjoy a spicy scene as much as the next reader, but perhaps due to the insta-love nature of it all, I wasn't enthralled by these scenes when they eventually happened. In addition to that, I felt that Scott's dialogue in these scenes in particular was quite the 180 from how he'd been presented from the beginning of the story which
- Though the key event to the story is Immy's wedding, it was definitely outshined by Dina and Scott's back and forth on whether they would give in to their desires, and this was applicable to other elements of the story as well - Robin, Immy and Rosemary's characterisations (even Scott and Eric's to a degree), and backstories
- I'm not sure if this is common in cosy fantasy but there was a significant amount of telling to move through scenes quickly or address internal monologue which broke the easy flow of the story due to the awkward rhythm

All in all, an easy and quick read of cosy witchy fantasy!

Blurb:

Witch and coffee shop owner, Dina has been hexed for many years of her life. Keeping her from having that love story movies tell you about. What happens when she ends up with ‘the one’ during a full weekend at her best friend’s weeding? Something magical is guaranteed!

Review:

There are so many things I liked about this story, starting with the magic. I loved how naturally integrated in the story is. Sometimes you can find books with magic that take place in the ‘real world’ and the magic just feels forced. It wasn’t like that. It just felt like it had always been there, one of those stories that, from time to time, makes you wonder ‘what if…?’. I loved the cosiness of it, the autumn vibes, the coffee shop, rainy London. The whole setting had be craving hot chocolate over and over again!

The characters were incredible. From Immy and Rosemary, to Nour and Heebie. Absolutely all of them had something to bring into the story and were all so loveable, quirky and funny to read. Of course, we have our main characters: Dina and Scott. Dina is a chaotic, witty, funny witch that made me smile on so many occasions. Her struggles felt so real, just like her dynamic with her friends and family, and the doubts and fears when going into a new relationship. Scott is like a massive teddy bear. I loved his honesty, and his loyalty to his friends, to his family. I felt like I could relate to him and how it feels to go away from your family and friends: the guilt and the longing.

Of course, the LGBT+ representation was beautiful and made it the perfect book to read during Pride Month. I loved the inclusivity, the queerness, the wedding, absolutely everything about it was perfectly reflected.

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love. I usually enjoy slow-burn a bit more. Other than that? I can’t wait to have a physical copy once it hits the bookshops in October 3rd! 🔮