The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Casting a Spell on the Rom-Com Genre

You know that feeling when you pick up a book and just know you’re in for a treat? That’s exactly what happened when I cracked open “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling (aka Rachel Hawkins). This delightful concoction of romance, magic, and small-town charm had me under its spell from page one.

Sterling’s writing is like a perfectly brewed potion—equal parts witty banter, steamy romance, and magical hijinks. It’s the literary equivalent of curling up with a pumpkin spice latte on a crisp autumn day, wrapped in your coziest sweater. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that feeling all year round?

A Tale as Old as Time… With a Witchy Twist

At its heart, “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling is a second-chance romance with a magical twist. Our heroine, Vivienne Jones, is a witch living in the charming town of Graves Glen, Georgia. Nine years ago, she nursed a broken heart the way any young witch would—with vodka, weepy music, bubble baths, and a half-hearted curse on her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow.

Fast forward to the present, and guess who’s back in town? Yep, you guessed it—Rhys, looking annoyingly gorgeous and completely unaware that he’s about to unleash magical chaos on the unsuspecting town. Oops?

Characters That’ll Charm Your Socks Off

Let’s talk about our leading lady and gent, shall we?

• Vivienne Jones: A witch who’s more comfortable with history books than spellbooks. She’s relatable, funny, and just the right amount of awkward. Plus, she rocks polka dots like nobody’s business.
• Rhys Penhallow: The prodigal son returns! He’s charming, he’s Welsh (hello, accent!), and he’s got a heart of gold underneath all that swagger.
• The Supporting Cast: From Vivi’s sassy cousin Gwyn to her eccentric Aunt Elaine, the secondary characters are a hoot and a half. And let’s not forget Sir Purrcival, the talking cat we never knew we needed in our lives.

Setting the Scene: Graves Glen, Georgia

Sterling paints a vivid picture of Graves Glen, a town where magic and mundane coexist in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of place where you might bump into a witch at the local coffee shop or stumble upon a magical artifact in the town square. The autumn vibes are strong with this one, folks—think falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and Halloween decorations galore.

The Plot: A Rollercoaster of Romance and Magical Mayhem

When Rhys returns to Graves Glen to recharge the town’s ley lines (magical energy sources, for you non-witchy folks), all hell breaks loose. Vivi’s curse, which was supposed to be harmless, turns out to be anything but. Suddenly, we’ve got possessed Halloween decorations, a ghost with a grudge, and a town on the brink of magical disaster.

Our star-crossed lovers must work together to break the curse and save the town. Along the way, they rediscover their feelings for each other and… well, I won’t spoil the rest. Let’s just say there’s plenty of sexual tension, magical mishaps, and swoon-worthy moments to keep you turning pages well into the night.

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments

Sterling’s humor shines throughout the book. Some standout moments include:

• The possessed plastic skulls that nearly take over the town
• Sir Purrcival’s snarky one-liners
• Rhys’s reaction to the “gothic nightmare” that is his family’s house

Steamy Scenes That’ll Fog Up Your Reading Glasses

Fair warning: you might want to keep a fan handy while reading some of the steamier scenes. Sterling knows how to write chemistry that sizzles off the page. The sexual tension between Vivi and Rhys is palpable from their first encounter, and it only builds from there.

Themes: More Than Just a Fluffy Romance

While “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling is undoubtedly a fun, lighthearted read, it also touches on some deeper themes:

• The power of forgiveness and second chances
• Finding your place in the world (both magical and non-magical)
• The importance of family and community
• Embracing your true self, quirks and all

Writing Style: A Magical Touch

Sterling’s writing is like a warm hug from your best friend—comforting, familiar, and always ready with a witty quip. Her dialogue sparkles with humor and charm, and her descriptions bring the magical world of Graves Glen to life.

The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of romantic moments, magical action, and character development. It’s the kind of book that’ll have you laughing one minute and fanning yourself the next.

The Verdict: A Spellbinding Read

“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling is a delightful romp that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who loves:

• Witty banter and laugh-out-loud humor
• Steamy romance with a magical twist
• Small-town charm with a supernatural flair
• Halloween vibes all year round

If you’re a fan of authors like Tessa Bailey, Emily Henry, or Sarah J. Maas’s more lighthearted works, you’ll find plenty to love here.

I wanted more of Graves Glen, more of Vivi and Rhys, more magical shenanigans. The good news? “The Ex Hex” is the first in a series, so we’ll be getting more of this enchanting world soon. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Kiss Curse and The Wedding Witch.

Final Thoughts: A Magical Must-Read

“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling is the literary equivalent of a pumpkin spice latte—sweet, comforting, and utterly addictive. It’s the perfect read for a cozy autumn night or anytime you need a little magic in your life (which, let’s face it, is always).

So grab your coziest blanket, light a scented candle (maybe not “orchard hayride” scented, just to be safe), and prepare to be enchanted. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself wishing for magical powers of your own by the time you turn the last page!

Who Should Read This Book?

• Romance lovers looking for a magical twist
• Fans of witchy stories and supernatural shenanigans
• Anyone who needs a good laugh and a heartwarming tale
• Readers who enjoy small-town settings with quirky characters
• Those who appreciate a strong dose of autumn vibes

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Readers looking for dark, intense urban fantasy
• Those who prefer their romance without supernatural elements
• People who are allergic to fun (kidding… mostly)

Remember, dear readers, sometimes the best magic is found between the pages of a good book. “The Ex Hex” might just be the spell you need to add a little enchantment to your everyday life. Happy reading, and may your TBR pile be ever-growing!