Best Hex Ever was a NetGalley book I picked on a whim as I don’t usually eyeball read romance, but this looked so cozy and autumnal I had to see if it matched the cover!

I’m so happy to say it absolutely did! From the opening scene I was immediately vibing with the fall aesthetic and cozy setting—a witchy coffee shop in London in October! Enter dreamy curator Scott, who is equal parts nerdy and hunky! Little do they know that something like fate has plans for them—it turns out they’re the maid of honor and best man and their best friends’ wedding!

This book is filled with uncanny coincidences, baked goods, a feline familiar, and spice (to go with that pumpkin!)! It was the perfect balance of cozy, witchy, romance, and recovery from relationship trauma. I give it four stars and highly recommend to all of my spicy romance-loving friends and anyone looking for a spooky season read!

(This review will run on instagram on Friday, September 27th. It has already been posted on Goodreads, BookBub, StoryGraph, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and BAM. It will be posted on Amazon on publication day.)

I loved all of the cozy elements of this read! I could get lost in a cafe like Serendipity, and I know I’d be a regular! Dina was such a sweet witch and her love of her friends and family made her a favorite of mine. And a cat named Heebie Jeebie?! C’mon what’s not to love?! When she meets Scott, Dina has a lot of self growth she needs to do! The spice was spicy for sure so be prepared! Overall I loved this witchy, cozy, sweet love story!

Dina is a kitchen witch who has a hex on her that anyone who falls in love with her gets hurt. Scott is a museum curator who is kind of a golden retriever. And they are the best man and maid of honor of the same wedding.

Here's the thing, I loved this book. It had the heart I was wanting and was a good fall read. I will say there were times the spice felt almost like it came out of no where. But eh. There were a few spots that maybe needed a little bit more love.

But Scott might be my favorite new male lead.

4/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️1/2 - medium to heavy spice

LOVES:
- Dina uses her magic for kindness. On the whole, I appreciate how the magic works in this book.
- I love their sentient house. So cool.
- The Halloween bonfire night got me unexpectedly teary 🥹 what a sweet moment
- I didn’t see the twist coming until the last second so that was well done
- I love the mom’s very specific reaction to the whole situation 🖤

“All women were witches on Halloween night.”

CRITIQUES:
- The attraction didn’t always feel as natural in the beginning as I want it to, but eventually the spice spices pretty well
- It’s tough to imagine that Dina truly believes her mother wouldn’t support her no matter what. That’s just not the impression she ever gives off so the fact that a huge plot point depends on that is tricky for me 🥴
- A couple of things could’ve gone a little deeper

This was short and sweet and perfect for this time of year. A cozy, October read. 🍁🍂

Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the eARC 💝

This book was fantastic. The representation of anxiety and how we can be our own worst enemy was so beautifully done. The spice was SPICY and it was done really well. I loved the way Dina and Scott grew personally and together through the story. At times there were changing POVs mid chapter that had me a bit caught off guard, but overall, this book knocked it out of the park with a spooky season spicy read!

A cute little magical read that was perfect for fall! I especially love a witch who bakes!

It was spicier than I was expecting, and I would have preferred a deeper look at their relationship instead. I adored her mom and their house though!

Vibe: Cozy Romance
Ratings: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Trope: He Fall first and Hard / Witchy vibes

For arcs :
Thank Netgalley and publisher for Arc
— Why I was Attracted to this book :
The Title and the Characters. I like interracial love
— What did you like about this book:
This book is like a warm hug, or curling up in a fluffy blanket and a mug of hot dark chocolate cocoa
— What you didn’t like:
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about it I went in with the expectations is would be a cozy romance and that’s exactly what was delivered
— Would you recommend:
YES! 100%.
— Would you read this author again:
Already plan to.
— Would you continue this series:
I am Looking forward to the next book

Random Thought while Reading

•29% I have never longed for a rainy autumn , day filled with a cold breezy a warm cup of and a cozy romance more then when reading this book because hand down it’s this book is chock full of that feeling !!

Dina and Scott insta attraction made me swoon and giggle and I could not wait for these two to just tear into each other because all that magic and heat they were giving. you just knew it had to be good and it didn’t disappoint. The 3rd act conflict was a little off I can admit but it didn’t distract from the over all feeling of the book. 
It’s really just two people finding each other and trusting that they deserve the love that is clearly in front of them.

This is so cute an such a great fall read!

This book follows a bi witch, who has hex on her love life. There’s such a fun cast of characters, the MMC is adorable, there’s a cat familiar, and of course, lots of spice.

Definitely pick this book up if you’re in the mood for a witchy fall romance!

This book was exactly what I was hoping for: fun, witchy, sweet and a little spicy! It was so easy to get swept up in and I loved the witchy autumn vibes. Dina and Scott were both written extremely well and getting both of their POVs was such a treat. I’m not usually a fan of instalove, but I felt like this book did it so well. I also enjoyed the bisexual representation in this book. The dude characters, especially Dina’s mom, Nour and Rosemary and Immy were such a delight and I’m so excited Rosemary is getting a book next! And of course, the romance was top notch. Dina and Scott’s chemistry was through the roof and I loved how much they showed up for each other. I highly recommend this one for your fall TBR and also, fun bonus, the epilogue takes place at Christmas so you get all the holiday fun!
CW: off page infidelity, micro aggressions, injury

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Romance for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for allowing me to receive a gifted eARC for an honest review!

I really loved the premise of the book because I love all things witchy, but I felt like the timeline of this book moved tooo fast (instalove) and too slow at the same time. :( It left me in a small slump and I found it hard to read because of how I felt about everything. I do like the writing and think that Nadia El-Fassi did an amazing job with it. I also loved being able to get to know the loved ones surrounding the characters' friends and family. That part of the book felt super special to me. This book unfortunately fell a bit short to me and I would have liked to like it more :/.

Best Hex Ever was the best read to usher in fall! It is such a cozy read!

Dina is a kitchen witch and runs the Serendipity Cafe in London. The cafe is famous for its *potentially* magical treats! One day Scott, the most handsome and well educated MMC I've met this year, stumbles into Dina's cafe and accidentally breaks an evil eye charm. The two have immediate chemistry and it makes you want to tear through the rest of the book!

There were so many things I loved about this book, so I must limit myself to the highest of highlights. First, Dina is mixed and has curly hair (just like me)! She's Moroccan and Welsh. The author lovingly weaves her own Moroccan heritage throughout the book. Reading about meskouta and kaab el gazelle immediately transported me back to the time I spent in Morocco. Second, Scott's exhibit and his goal of returning artifacts back to the countries they were stolen from is just perfect, *chef's kiss.* A reverse Indiana Jones after my own heart. Lastly, the house. Where can I find a loving and cozy magical home that sends me out with a copy of poetry from Rumi?

Best Hex Ever is one of the best debuts I've ever read, and I cannot wait to read every single book Nadia El-Fassi writes!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book was one of my most anticipated book. The characters were charming and the atmosphere was tangible. However, I did not finish this book so I don't feel I can review it. The first 40% was slow with no tension. I was really looking forward to this book and I may return to it during Halloween season.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy.

2.5 ⭐️ - This book was not what I was expecting, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t read it— I just don’t think I was the right audience for it. I thought this was going to be a cute, cozy witch romance. But unfortunately, when we got to the romance aspect, it ended up being a little too explicit for my liking 🫣

However, I DID enjoy other parts of this book, so let’s start by discussing those!
▫️The female main character: Dina is a kitchen witch who owns a cozy café in London that sells magically infused pastries. I’m actually obsessed with this… her baking magical pastries to boost people’s moods and bring them things like confidence & joy. Adorable 🥲
▫️The solid & supportive / full of love female friendships that are a huge cornerstone of Dina’s life.
▫️For possibly the first (and last) time: the third act breakup… I know 🤯 They’re usually the result of some silly/easy to fix miscommunication. But this was not that so I found I didn’t mind it!

Things I was not a fan of…
▫️The insta-love: A good portion of the story takes place over the course of a single weekend. They go from being strangers to being in a committed relationship over ~3 days. It was such a whirlwind that I was waiting for it to be revealed someone had put a love spell on them, just to make it make sense.
▫️The spice: I’m not strictly a closed-door romance girlie, but this was a bit too much for me personally. I almost felt like it took away from the story and it would have been more enjoyable if it had been closer to the closed-door end of the spectrum. But again— if you’re someone who enjoys spice to the max, then this one is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for this ARC

Dina is a kitchen witch who owns & runs her own cafe' in London. She knows little about love however, as there is a hex hanging over her. With her best friend's wedding approaching, she thinks who need love when she can experience it through her friend. The wedding is a romantic getaway where she meets the groom's best friend, Scott. Dina knows that the hex still holds, but can she break it before she falls in love?

A fun witchy romance, perfect for the Halloween season! A bit too instalove for me, but I really liked the two main characters. And there’s a sentient house and a meddling cat, which are always great addition in a witchy book. Perfect for fans of Lana Ferguson and Talia Hibbert.

I don't think I have audibly cringed more in a book, at times this was horribly embarrassing to read and the dirty talk and sex were A LOT. But not in a pleasant way.
The plot was so cute to start out and I really loved the idea of her being hexed and trying to over come it, and the friend's wedding destination was such a fun location for their feelings and relationship to progress. And I LOVED how their magic system worked. So cool and wish we had gotten more of the magic and how it all works. But that was about it.
They INSTANTLY fell in love. Like one look in a coffee shop and they were done for. Super realistic...
The amount of sex talk and sneaking away to have it as soon as the wedding ceremony ended, his constant public boners, her fear of coming out as Bi to her very nice and understanding parents, her two best friends that both write horror novels, and their attitude of not having children all bugged me.
The ending fell a little flat for me too. Just a sad wrap up without leaving me wanting more or really caring.
There was soooo much potential! I went into this hoping I would love it and excited for my special edition. But in the end I was disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dell Publishing for my ARC!

Dina's ex put a hex on her-grr-a hex that means bad things befall her future partners. Ok, fine, she's contented herself with her bakery, her friends, and her parents but now she's met Scott and she needs to get rid of it. This is a nicely done witchy rom com with good characters that's enhanced by Dina's Moroccan heritage and her friends. The wedding at the castle is classic. And there's a bit of spice. Fans of the genre know that Dina's going to do her best with her witchy powers to rid herself of that pesky hex but how? No spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

A cosy, fall fueled romance!

Dina is kitchen witch who runs her own coffee shop. Putting little spells in her drinks and baked goods can bring her customers luck, help them nail that job interview or even find love. Dina loves love, but unfortunately for her, she’s been cursed by an ex lover that anyone who ends up falling for Dina gets hurt. We’re talking hospitals, accidents, that kind of hurt. So Dina feels doomed to be alone forever. Although not completely alone, she has a close relationship with her mother who’s also a witch and her two best friends who know her about their witchy secret. When Dina meets Scott, the new curator at the British museum, Dina falls head over heels for him. Somethings different about Scott from her past lovers, he seems to be falling even quicker for her and she can see a future with him. But with her curse looming heavily over her head, she keeps Scott at a distance. The obvious thing to do would be to seek her mothers help but no matter how close they are, Dina’s keeping her bi-sexuality a secret from her mother and in order to get her help she’d have to let her know that her lover that cursed her was a female. So instead she takes matters into her own hands and tries stay away from Scott and when that doesn’t last long she tries her best to keep the curse at bay on her own.

A slow-burn, forced proximity trope. This was just as much a romance as it was a story about learning to love yourself. Perfect for an autumnal read, this had all the warm and cosy details written in so be sure to grab a tasty treat and warm drink. Along with two horror/paranormal loving best friends, you get a helpful familiar cat, and a quirky magical house. Not to mention the Moroccan culture details that really shone through Dina’s personality.

Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 chilis
Pub date: 10/1

Thank you so much to Dell Romance for my advanced copy!

Dina Whitlock is a skilled kitchen witch running a magical café in London, and Scott Mason is a globe-trotting museum curator returning home after a painful breakup. Their lives become entwined when Scott, best man at a mutual friend’s wedding, walks into Dina’s café, completely unaware of her magical abilities—or the love hex that makes falling in love a risky venture for Dina.

This book is perfect for spooky season. The atmosphere is filled with cozy magic, playful wedding antics, and a simmering romance. The chemistry between Dina and Scott is electric, making every interaction between them exciting. The story's magical elements, from palm readings to midnight rituals, add a feeling of enchantment to their budding romance, while the looming threat of Dina’s hex adds tension and high stakes to the story.

Dina’s struggle with her hex and Scott’s fear of heartbreak are relatable, grounding their romance with real-world emotions. I love the way they’re able to open up to each other about their fears and how accepting they are of each other’s eccentricities.

This book is full of warmth, humor, and lots of spice. Nadia El-Fassi is a debut author to watch!

Read if you like:
*witchy vibes
*cozy magical fantasy
*single POV
*open door spice

Thank you NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC .

This is a cozy spicy romantasy that had me giggling at times and fanning myself at others. It is hard sometimes for books to be spicy without it seeming like those scenes are just thrown in because; but the angst and spice where perfectly written and placed in a way that really helped you fall for the couple. The author did an amazing job of letting you into the characters lives a bit at a time as the story unfolded which made it so easy to connect with them. Nadia wrote a book that manages to make you love the ending but hating that it ended because you wanted more. When she releases books for the other friends in the group I will buying them immediately.

Best Hex Ever tells the story of Dima, a kitchen witch, who struggles with a hex that keeps her from opening herself up to love because she doesn’t want to hurt people. It has this great Practical Magic the movie vibes for the relationship. It is more than just a boy meets girl romance with magic though. Dima also struggles with being her true self about her sexuality because of fear of rejection from her family. Dima, Rosemary and Immy are friendship goals for sure, and every one wishes they had that kind of connection and friendship in their lives. I will stop rambling now and tell you just read the book, you won’t regret it.