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Series: Hex Series #2
Published by Penguin on April 4, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Paranormal / Witches, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 336
Format: eARC, Paperback
Source: Library, Publisher
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One of Amazon's Best Romances of April!
Enemies-to-lovers has never been more enchanting in this witchy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of Go Hex Yourself.
Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.
Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).
Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?
Jessica Clare’s What The Hex is the second entry into the Hex series — and wow it is so fun! I actually ended up liking this book more than Go Hex Yourself. I think part of the reason being that What The Hex doesn’t feel like fan fiction with the serial numbers filed off. The tropes within are some of my favorites too. This story is about Penny who is secretary of the Society Of Familiars. She is just waiting for her chance to be a witch’s familiar, however, opportunities are coveted and few and far between. So, she’s presented with an offer to serve as a familiar under the table for Willem, who has been punished and disallowed to take a familiar on. Agreeing to the deal is a risk for both parties, but Penny is desperate for the chance.
Prior to Willem taking Penny on, he can barely cast any hexes, his magic reserve just isn’t enough. When he has Penny however, the two have such a connection that working with her allows him to tap into this deep, deep well of magic. The results are kind of, awkward to read. However, the rest of the book makes up for it.
What The Hex features a grumpy sunshine relationship. Penny, of course, is an absolute sunshine of a character. Willem is a total grump. The two have chemistry but fight it – especially as they seem so different. Also, to make it seem like Penny isn’t Willem’s familiar, the two start FAKE DATING. So, okay two tropes that I love. There’s also a moment where Penny triumphs and I LOVE IT. If you love a good witchy romance, pick this book up. There are some open door steamy scenes in this book. I am looking forward to what’s next in this series — hopefully something featuring a witch and a male familiar.
