Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson Review

Title: Hex Appeal

Author: Kate Johnson

Genre: Fantasy/ paranormal Rom-Com

Publisher: One More Chapter

Pages: 384

Release Date: 1 October 2022 (Ebook), 13 October 2022 (Paperback)

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Hello fellow book lovers, today I'm sharing my review for Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson-a fun, whimsically witchy and entertaining read that serves up cosy, autumnal Encanto meets Hocus Pocus vibes that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Synopsis

 It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus…

Essie Winterscale lives in a huge and ever-changing house in the village of Good Winter, in deepest, darkest Essex. She lives with various witches of various ages, one of whom is still a bit salty about having been burned at the stake in 1635, one who keeps accidentally casting fertility spells, and one who knits things that create the future.

All Essie ever wanted was to have a normal life but in the end she found herself drawn back to Beldam House because she just can’t stop her witchiness (although the ability to instantly chill wine is pretty awesome, even she has to admit).

Into this coven of chaos stumbles gorgeous, clueless Josh, their new landlord – and he’s just discovered his tenants haven’t paid rent since the 1700s! As Josh is drawn further into the lives of the inhabitants of Beldam House, Essie is determined to keep him at broomstick’s length. That is, until a family secret, lying hidden for centuries, puts Josh firmly under her spell…

Review

This was such an enjoyably quirky read that really brought the cosy & chaotic, Autumn/ spooky season vibes that definitely lived up to my witchy rom-com loving expectations.

I really enjoyed the expansive cast of witchy characters and all the magical mishaps that unfold in the magic mood controlled house they all call home. One of my faves was resident ghost and former witch Prudence whose random appearances at the most inconvenient times were genuinely entertaining. Blessing and Avery were also super fun characters and I’d love to see more of them both in a sequel.

The beautifully picturesque setting, in the form of a rural British village definitely served as a bit of a palate cleanser to all the small town, US based witchy books I’ve been reading lately. It worked perfectly with the village's unique history (which I found thoroughly interesting) and, given the house’s magic (and Essie’s mum, Lilith’s time related abilities) I do hope Johnson utilises both in future books.

I absolutely loved the romance between Essie and Josh-their flirty banter was top tier and I loved every scene they shared.

I can’t say much else without spoiling any of the plot but I have to say it was definitely a wildly entertaining experience.

Overall, a witty, magical and utterly compelling rom-com that fans of The Ex Hex or Payback’s A Witch should definitely check out.

And a huge thank you to HarperCollins/One More Chapter and Netgalley for the arc.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

About The Author 

Kate Johnson lives in rural Essex where she belongs to a pride of cats. She did actually do most of her homework, but quickly so as to have more time to stare out of the window thinking about heroes. Stay in school, kids.

Kate has done a variety of not-particularly great jobs, ranging from airport check-in to lab assistant, but much prefers writing for a living. For one thing, the hours are better, and no one ever tells her off for not ironing her shirt. In fact, the lack of ironing might be the single greatest advantage to being an author.

Kate loves going off at mad tangents, which you’d surely never have guessed, but also enjoys reading romance and fantasy, watching funny stuff on TV, drinking coffee by the gallon and occasionally leaving the house.

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