vibes: coziness, witchcraft via baking, love at first sight, hexes

Heat Index: 7/10

Dina is a kitchen witch, her confections infused with magic that could snag you a job (among other things). Always unlucky in love, she's stunned by the immediate connection she seems to have with curator Scott. The issue? Dina's hexed, which means that Scott is guaranteed bad luck if he falls for her. Or worse. And as much as Dina tries to resist him for his own good, she can't help but wonder--is he the one?

So, there are some really fun things about this book (and the prose is good--it definitely pulls you in). Dina is a kitchen witch, which (haha) I've seen a few times before in paranormal romance. However, she's specifically a Moroccan kitchen witch (on her mom's side). I've never seen this before, and I really enjoyed it. I also appreciated the familial tensions infused into the book. Diana is bisexual, and a part of why she really didn't handle the hex stuff as well as she could have is that she was dating a woman when it all occurred. All of this served to make Dina more of a well-rounded character who actually stood out in a sea of kitchen witches and cozy witchy books.

Scott isn't quite as interesting, I'll be real. But he is nice, and he is charming, and I'm sure I would fall madly in love with him in real life. The thing is that this isn't real life, so, for me at least, a nice guy is just sort of. There. He wasn't exactly a plot mover and shaker, but, for all that this was a dual POV novel, it did feel more like Dina's story. Which is fine.

That isn't to say that this isn't a romance novel. It most definitely is. Dina and Scott do have a chemistry, and I did enjoy reading about them kissing. (The sex? Was probably my favorite part of the book.) But this was very much a love at first sight book, even more than I expected. It was... a bit jarring, I won't lie.

I'm never someone to say that you shouldn't have characters jump into bed early. And these two really doin't jump into bed that early. (Though once they do, there's a good amount of sex in the novel--and again, yay, love that for them.) But I will say--it did feel like there was some reliance on the sex in order to accommodate a little bit less character development. I believed these two had chemistry. If that's what works for you in a romance, then great. I'm not so sure I was pulled into the deeper aspects of the relationship.

That said--for all that I'm not super into coziness, the magic in this book was really fun. Loved the talking cat, the magical food. The hex was handled better than it was in a different "oh no my destined love is cursed" book I read.

It's not bad--it's solid. I just wasn't enraptured, personally.

The Sex:

Like I said, the sex is well-written. It's hot. It's descriptive. Many orgasms are had! I was about it!

I do always kind of get thrown for a loop when these golden retriever guys suddenly become "GRR COME FOR ME" in the sack in these novels. The transition is a little too smooth.

This didn't blow my mind, but it was a cute book to read, and I appreciated the fact that it wasn't just like... every other cozy witch book out there. I mean, in some ways it was, but it differentiated itself better than most books I read in this space, and I appreciate that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dell for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an amazing debut! The perfect amount of cozy witch vibes and sizzling romance! It is a tale as old as time- you swear off romance to focus on yourself and what happens?? Romance drops a delicious surprise right in your lap! Add in a dash of close proximity, wedding shenanigans for your BFF- and you have a wonderful debut novel perfect for spooky season!

Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

This was a cute, cozy romance that was a pleasant read but still somehow missed the mark for me. There were so many cozy vibes throughout, and I was so excited for a cozy, witchy romance. But the romance was just okay. The good wasn't quite enough to outweigh the instalove and lack of a plot.

Right off the bat, this had the cozy, witchy vibes I wanted in a fall romance read. But after that, it continued to fall off.

The romance was instalove, which I typically don't enjoy, and I didn't love it here. The characters did have great chemistry, though! The lack of emotional connection just pulled me out of it. I wanted these characters to be together, but I just couldn't buy it.

The plot was lackluster and was overpowered by the rather plain spice. I'm okay with a slower pace if the other elements are working, but the instalove romance and cozy elements weren't. The FMC owns a super cute and cozy coffee shop, yet most of the novel takes place elsewhere. The magical aspects weren't as prominent as I'd have liked. The entire conflict was a hex that prevents the FMC from finding love as the significant other would be put in danger. The resolution for that hex was poorly built up and flat. It boiled down to the FMC needing to love herself. However, never once throughout the book did I get the vibe the FMC didn't love or accept herself. Thus, it is an uninteresting and uninspired resolution.

Overall, this was still a cute read. If you love plots that are outshadowed by smut, this is most definitely for you. Sadly, I'm a plot over smut girlie, so this was a bit of a flop for me. There are some incredible cozy elements and some lovely moments throughout. I am intrigued to see what El-Fassi does next as I did enjoy the supporting characters and can't wait to get more of Rosemary.

I'm always a fan of paranormal romance. Love at first sight is good for me too. This had all of that along with that special dose of magic that I enjoyed. There was a good amount of spice and a fun plotline. Overall a good book.

Such a cute book! This was just as warm a read as one of Dina's lattes or baked treats. Dina, as a kitchen witch, imbues her goodies with a little extra oomph for her customers. One day, Scott stumbles (and takes down an evil eye charm, poor form my friend) into her shop and it's insta-lust. Then they bump into together again. And again. And one more time for measure. I really enjoyed how Scott and Dina's lives wove together including the supporting cast of characters, especially Heebie. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance with a little bit of witchiness thrown in, I'd definitely recommend. I'll also be looking out for the second book in this series which, according to the preview, is due out in Fall 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the advanced reader copy!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Best Hex Ever was a lovely spicy witchy read that made postpone sleep A LOT. I devoured it in one sitting, and enjoyed every second of it.

We follow Dina's and Scott's perspectives, which delighted me!! I love dual POVs in books!! Dina is a charming, sweet, and kind person who helps people through magic and her cozy café. She is very funny, but her self-confidence isn't the best, which I didn't quite understand. She is bi but she hasn't told her parents fearing their reaction, and while it was relatable, it also hindered her dealing with the hex. Her mother could have helped with the hex but that meant knowing about Dina's sexuality, and Dina wasn't ready for that. It felt like Dina was sabotaging herself a lot, which is also very relatable, until Scott came, and she loved him too much to sacrifice him for her self-sabotaging.

Scott was a charming, easy-going, friendly, kind character you want to wrap in a blanket. In his case, a very big blanket!!! I always envy laidback people because I am far from that lmao I liked him a lot, and I always looked forward to reading his pov!

I liked how the author handled the witchy elements and how the author blended the magic with our world and the characters'/her own culture. However, it was a slow read, plot-wise. Not much happened if I look back at it, and I prefer more dialog and interaction in romance to see the romance developing, and I think I got more narration in some parts. The combination of insta-love and slow plot didn't make me dislike the book but it didn't make me love it, either. I am somewhere in between. If more events happened and the insta-love wasn't too insta, I think it would have flowed better. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I flew by the pages not caring about the time.

It is the monthly pick for a romance monthly box, so check my Instagram to see if I recommend to skip or not.

3.5stars :) This was overall a very cute read. I was really hooked the first 50% and then the last half fell a tad flat for me, but overall fun!

WOW

5⭐️/ 2.5🌶️

Okay first, thank you so much NetGalley for an ARC of this!!!

This book releases on October 1st and omg I wanted to wait until the date was closer but I just couldn’t.

I was so excited for this because fall is my favorite time of year, and the setting of this book is around Halloween. Dina is a witch who finds herself cursed in regard to her love life. Through the book she goes on a little self discovery journey while also being a badass baker, and maid of honor for her bff. I adored how the author described all of the bakery scenes. I felt so cozy reading this book, and it made me REALLY want cinnamon rolls.

Enter, Scott. This man is so dreamy wtf. I loved watching their relationship develop. He’s just so swoony 🥰 And wow his goal of returning all the artifacts to their native lands was soooo :”) we love that. Also man does he have a mouth on him 😳

Nothing can stop them from being together, it’s like the universe is pushing them together and apart at the same time. I loved their story so so so much.

-Witchy vibes/Halloween setting
-Forced proximity/shared room
-Baker x Museum Curator
-Obsessed man in the best way
-Bisexual rep
-Mental health rep
-Cute cat!!

This book took my least favorite trope in romance novels and dialed it up to the MAX. Insta-lust removes any possibility for tension in these books, especially if it's dual POV and you just go back and forth between two horny individuals thinking the most outrageous things. Cause what do you mean you have "swollen folds" just from some heavy eye contact???? EW!

Anyway, this is probably a "not for me" thing, but that allosexual nonsense was too much for me. From the moment they meet, it never stops.

However, two stars for other aspects that I really liked in the book (a cute cat named Heebie Jeebie and the positive representation of a HEA that involves two MCs who want to remain childfree together!). Honestly I feel as if I would've loved this as a cozy, smutty read if the instalust hadn't annoyed me through the majority of it. After reading the sneak peek at Rosemary's book I'll admit I'm curious enough to check that one out.

Read This Book If…you want something sweet and spicy this Spooky Season!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

Genre: paranormal romance
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Setting: London & English manor
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Tropes: dating curse, forced proximity, “good girl”

My Thoughts:
This was a great witchy read! It starts out very cozy but then it gets VERY horny.

I really loved the FMC - she’s independent, bisexual, and knows she doesn’t want kids, which I feel like we don’t see often enough in romances. The MMC was also engaging, in a lumberjack professor sort of way. He wants to believe in magic, and she just happens to be a hexed witch.

I enjoyed the meddling family and friends trying to throw these two together, without knowing they’ve already made a connection. The FMC holds a lot back from them and made me want to scream at her, but the ending was very touching.

Memorable Quote: “Good g—job.”

Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!

This was a fun and quick seasonal read! I love the magic system and the idea of a magical bakery is just so cozy and perfect. It was a bit on the nose at times with the cheesiness, but I couldn't helped but have a great time.

This was such a cute and festive read. It really gets you in the mood for fall and Halloween. The story follows Dina a kitchen witch with her own bakery, on a journey of self discovery about herself and how she really can accept love from not only herself, but from others too. Scott, her love interest is a sweet museum curator who growing up wished magic was real. When they have their three fateful meet cutes, sparks fly instantly and it’s a whirlwind romance from there while Dina holds back knowing that when she was 19 she was hexed and she can’t let herself fall for him. But low and behold, he’s her best friends fiancé’s best friend and they are thrown into each others lives again at their wedding, where they realize they just can’t fight it anymore and we get some wonderfully steamy love scenes. I will say that with all the food and drink descriptions, I was very jealous of the characters in this book because reading this book made me hungry at times. Overall, this book was such a cute fast paced romance with such an adorable happily ever after.

Perfect spooky season read! I absolutely love witchy books and Best Hex Ever totally delivered on that.

I loved the magic and the cozy small town vibes. I liked the main characters and thought they were too cute! This reminded me a lot of the movie Practical Magic. Dina felt Sally inspired. I thought the romance was sweet. I loved Dina & Scott's interactions. They had a lot of great chemistry that leapt of the page. These two definitely had sparks in the bedroom too (meaning this book was spicy hot haha).

I thought the writing flowed nicely and made this a quick read.

Very enjoyable debut romance!

BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ Paranormal Romance set in England in which a kitchen witch with a penchant for baking and a (literally) cursed love life meets a museum curator who could be worth breaking the hex.

5/5 stars: This is El-Fassi's BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ Paranormal Romance stand-alone which is set is England and follows a kitchen witch, who owns London cafe where she secretly serves magic-infused pastries, and a museum curator, who's always believed in magic, as they get to know each over a weekend being maid of honor and best man at a friend's wedding. Only problem, she's cursed and anyone she falls for is guaranteed to have a string of bad luck. In the past, she’s always cut her losses but this time's different; will she be able to undo the hex, before it’s too late? El-Fassi's magic system is whimsical and quirky. Dina and her mother's magic is based on their cultural background which lends a uniqueness of it's own. With plenty of wit and humor, El-Fassi's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Dina and Scott are great and I loved seeing them come into their own and work to get their HEA. Additionally, I appreciate how El-Fassi includes characters who are not only diverse but span the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum. And of course, I love Dina's cat, Heebie Jeebie. (The absolute best name for a witch's familiar!) Oh and the romance, there's plenty of flirty, swoony banter and the OPS scenes are incredibly sexy, quite kinky and deliciously sensual. While there are plenty of heartfelt and humorous moments, El-Fassi does touch on some very sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. A great steamy witchy fall read!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

The instalove/lust got me on this one. I'm sorry but I just cannot stand it, especially when the ML's first chapter was him gushing about the FL, going back to his work, only to lust after her again after their first meeting. Maybe a believable chemistry will develop between them... I just don't have the patience to find out.

3.5 rounded down to 3

Diana meets Scott in her busy cafe and all signs point to something big on the horizon. She just can't tell if the omens are good or bad. She's been hurt by love before thanks to the hex that haunts her. Is her connection with Scott worth risking it all?

Read if you like:
-Paranormal Romance
-Strong Female Friendships
-Only for the Weekend to Something More
-Hexes & Dancing Naked on Halloween

I liked Best Hex Ever. It started and ended strong, but the middle did lag a bit. It's hard to articulate why without dropping a huge spoiler, so all I can really say is that it took too long to understand the hex. I wish it had been revealed earlier and explored further. Because once it was explained, the message of the book was beautiful.

DNF at 34%

This book has so much going for it: a mixed-race bi FMC witch who loves baking, owns a cafe, and has a cat named Heebie Jeebie. We also have nonbinary side characters, an MMC who wen through the foster care system and has two loving moms, and even magic henna.

But this book felt like it was trying to throw in as many tropes as possible. We have forced proximity, insta-love, and way too many "shivers of desire". Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance with some spice, but there was way too much showing without telling and nothing for me to latch onto as a reader other than the intense physical attraction between the two main characters. I also didn't understand why Dina couldn't reveal her magic if it seemed like magic was somewhat common in this universe. Essentially the whole plot hung on Dina not being willing to tell her mom that she was bi or trying to figure out another way to get help with her hex.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

Are you kidding me? This book is my number one hex/witchy autumn book. Nadia El-Fassi writes Dina so well & I really enjoyed cozying up to read about her and Scott. It is pretty difficult to write both FMC and MMC to be likable both apart & together and I think the author nailed it to a tee. Although there is an instalove type situation going on, I think the book was written so beautifully and is my go to fall read/recommendation for those looking for an autumn read.

'Best Hex Ever' has a lot to recommend it, Nadia El-Fassi provides a fun premise (who doesn't want to be a coffee shop owner who is also a witch and meet a handsome museum curator?) and very likable characters. Though their is magic, would describe this book as more magical realism than fantasy.

This book is a (very) open door romance. I feel Nadia balanced the plot and romance well, however, I did find some of the sex scenes to be a bit repetitive .

Overall, I will be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Nadia El-Fassi and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of 'Best Hex Ever.'

This book is the perfect cozy fall read! I've always been a fan of books that feel like a hug, and this book is it for me. I loved the romance aspects and the portrayals of friendship and family relationships. The third-act conflict isn't really a conflict, but sometimes that's exactly what you want to read.

If you are looking for a fast-paced fall read that has a touch of witchy-ness to it, this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC.