I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while now, since following the author on twitter. And I was not disappointed!
The romance was so cute, as was the use of magic (who wouldn’t want a cinnamon bun that could bring you joy or comfort?!).
Hoping there will be more books for the other characters in the story :)

What I enjoyed:

- details about Dina's heritage and her mother's past. Descriptions of the sights, smells and sounds of Morocco really sparkled and made these details feel fresh.
- likewise, there were lovely descriptions of the Thames and the forest around the wedding venue that felt very grounded and evocative.

What I was neutral about:

- the supporting characters were fun, but felt overshadowed by the main couple. The fact that 70% of the book takes place at their BFFs' wedding and yet the main topics of conversation are Dina, Scott, and whether Dina and Scott will get together felt odd. And the fact that there were several duplicated professions (both Dina's friends were horror writers, and Scott's moms were both morticians??) made it seem like they didn't get a lot of thought put into making them distinct.
- the sex. There was a lot of it, and while it didn't do a huge amount for me I can see lots of readers digging it. The way sexual health/consent was handled was nice to see.
- the twist/resolution of the hex. I liked the twist (won't spoil it here) but didn't feel the resolution was entirely earned. Dina did not change much over the course of the book, which I would've wanted to see in order to fully buy into the way the hex was resolved

What I struggled with:

- the magic system was all over the place. It didn't seem grounded in any particular mythos and had no consistency; spells could be cast just by thinking about them, by using ingredients and incantations, by using hand gestures, etc. It would have been so great to see the magic reflect Dina's specific knowledge (either through her heritage or training) and tell us more about the world we're in, but instead it's a mish-mash of ideas that tells us very little and seems quite generic.
- Dina using her magic on everyone around her, including unsuspecting customers/passers-by. I get it, having magic would be cool. I'd probably use it a lot too if I had it. But there's something very dubious about casting spells on people who are completely unaware that you're doing so, even if they're nice spells. But Dina doesn't limit herself there - she also does some pretty janky things to people she doesn't like, which it seems like we as readers are supposed to support. Given the heart of the novel (which I will not spoil here) you would think Dina would understand the dangers/implications of using magic willy-nilly on people around her, but that's one lesson she absolutely does not absorb.
- the completely arbitrary reasons Dina has for not telling Scott about the hex. It actively puts him in danger and yet she finds spurious reason after reason not to confess to him. That's not cool behaviour for a friend to exhibit, let alone a romantic partner.
- the fact that implied homophobia was such a huge part of this seemingly 'cosy' tale. It drives the main conflict of the story and is brought up many times, but doesn't even get a call-out in the author's note at the beginning about potentially triggering content. It's strange to me how many cosies use homophobia to drive conflict, given it's an extremely non-cosy thing to encounter in real life, but here we are.
- the title. As above, the hex was actively harmful to many people in the course of the story - so WHY is it 'the best hex ever'?? Surely there's a better pun to be had - Let's Talk About Hex, maybe?!

Thank you NetGalley.

3.5/5 ⭐️

This was such a cosy, witchy read and will make a perfect autumn book. I loved Dina and her baking witch craft! The characters were well thought out and the friendships were great.

It was a bit too insta-love for me but overall it was a lovely fluffy (with some spice) romance!

I received an ARC of Best Hex Ever from NetGalley (chosen solely for the adorable cover (I most certainly judge a book by one)) in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super cosy and surprisingly spicy, perfect for evenings spent snuggled up in your favourite spot with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Occasionally I found myself confused with the writing as it wasn’t always clear when a scene ended and another began, however this didn’t make me enjoy the book any less. I’m excited to see what Nadia El-Fassi comes out with next!

Receiving this book early was incredibly exciting, the advertising on social media really brought this to my attention.

The concept of a witch who’s love life is cursed was interesting however the insta love trope and the miscommunication trope are ones I don’t normally like. However this book is steamy, cute and fun, it makes up for those tropes. I will definitely be rereading it this October to get myself into a witchy mood. The set up for future books is very obviously in there and I’m so excited for her next paranormal romance novel! It’s a beautiful debut novel and I’m incredibly honoured to have read this so early on!

My first ever ARC from NetGalley and I’m so glad it was this one can’t wait to buy a paperback copy in October!

Title: Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

Release Date: October, 3rd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In this charming debut romance, Dina Whitlock, a kitchen witch with a talent for baking, grapples with a curse that sabotages her love life. When Scott Mason, returning to London after years of travel, enters her life, Dina is drawn to him despite the hex. As their connection deepens amidst a backdrop of enchanting rituals and romantic weekends, Dina faces a dilemma: break the curse to save Scott or risk losing him forever. With magic-infused pastries and a dash of sweet romance, this tale explores love, fate, and the power of breaking hexes for the right person.

This paranormal romance offers a delightful mix of charming, steamy, humorous, and touching scenes. Dina's Moroccan background adds layers of authenticity and warmth to the narrative. The inclusion of diverse cultural elements is a refreshing aspect of the story, while Dina's familial relationships and the intricacies of the magical world are truly captivating. If you're in search of a cozy yet exhilarating witchy rom-com to enjoy this October, this enchanting read is an ideal choice.


Thank you to The Publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone | Del Rey , The Author Nadia El-Fassi & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Best Hex Ex by Nadia El-Fassi
Rating: 3.5/5

Dina Whitlock is not just any café owner in London; she's a skilled kitchen witch who infuses her pastries with magic. Despite her magical prowess, only a handful of close friends are privy to her abilities and the hex that has cursed her romantic life.

Scott Mason returns to London after globetrotting and is eager to kickstart his new role as a curator at the British Museum. Having retreated from the city to heal from a painful breakup, Scott realises how much he's missed out on. As his best friend's wedding approaches, Scott aims to be the ultimate best man, but he never expects to be enchanted by the maid of honour, the café owner of his newfound favourite haunt, and shockingly, a witch!

Amidst a weekend filled with enigmatic hedge mazes, candlelit palm readings, and a Halloween ritual under the midnight sky, their chemistry ignites. However, there's a hitch: the lingering hex that threatens Scott's well-being. While in the past, Dina might have chosen to walk away, this time however she feels different. Scott could be the one.

The captivating cover drew me into this novel, and I found all the characters to be lively and engaging. However, while I enjoyed the read, I couldn't shake the feeling that the author tended to tell us a bit too much rather than showing us the story.

If you’re looking for a spicy, cozy witchy rom-com to read this October and not have to think too much, then this read is for you.

Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone | Del Rey and the author, Nadia El-Fassi, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book based on an honest opinion for free .

This book wow so sweet, my black heart warmed with the beautiful caring writing.

The smut however was some of the best I’ve read so well done.

The magic was so enriched in real world folk lore and cultural references I loved it.

The friends need spin offs and the life interests are fully developed and generally interesting.

I really enjoyed the whole mix of diverse characters and situations/ relationships in this book it was completely normal and should just be part of reading not all books are for same sex relationships,

Now please put all the recipes Dina bakes at the back of the book how dare you keep them from me!

A cosy, witchy romance that will be a good autumn read when it comes out. Some good spice and characters. There were some pacing issues that I struggled with a little but overall a decent read that I’d recommend giving a go.

A lovely fantasy which I really enjoyed, especially the characters, who were well drawn. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the novel.

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Del Rey. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Best Hex Ever.]

Rating: 2/5

Described as a cosy fantasy romance featuring a kitchen witch who is cursed to hurt anyone who falls in love with her, Best Hex Ever lures you in with an enticing description that features everything you could want from a fun and magical romance. Unfortunately, many elements of this story didn’t hit the mark for me. Admittedly this is a very quick read so if you’re looking for something light and spicy with some fantasy elements then you may like this, but I felt that there were too many issues for me to enjoy this.

In this story we follow Dina Whitlock, a skilled kitchen witch who was once cursed in a previous relationship. The curse causes anyone who falls in love with her to get hurt which makes her very cautious of finding romantic partners. Or at least you would assume she would be more cautious, but when she meets Scott Mason, a curator at the British Museum, their attraction is instantaneous and Dina struggles with maintaining her distance.

When it comes to light romcoms I’m not looking for a literary masterpiece, and generally I can overlook a lot of minor issues that others might get caught up in. But in Best Hex Ever I found myself constantly being tripped up by things such as the awkward flow of writing and dialogue that didn’t feel natural. Everything in this story felt two dimensional and I couldn’t find depth in anything that was laid out for us. The characters were flat and often acted in an almost cheesy manner that I just couldn’t get into and the magic, despite being present a lot, didn’t feel very magical.

I think a main issue for me was the insta-love/lust between Dina and Scott. Perhaps there’s some soulmate element to their relationship considering magic is involved but they go from complete strangers to wanting to jump each other in a very short amount of time and personally I can’t get into that kind of relationship unless there’s a good reason behind it. I also didn’t love Dina’s secrecy when it came to her curse and the miscommunication here was frustrating to read, especially when the safety of others is on the line.

Ultimately this just wasn’t the book for me but I hope it finds its audience. It’s certainly a light and spicy read so if you’re looking for something that won’t take up too much time or brain power to get through then this is a good book to crack on with.

Best Hex Ever was one of my most anticipated reads and I am devastated that it's not worked out for me.

Let's being with the good!

The premise is fun and flirty - What to do when you are a badass bakery babe but are unfortunately HEXED when it comes to love...in a very very real sense. For Dina this is a reality and her love life being so magically doomed becomes a bit of a problem when she falls head over heels in love with the dashing curator, Scott who she cannot avoid (not just because he makes her heart do weird things but also because he happens to be the maid of honour at her best friends upcoming wedding AH!).

The spicy scenes were spicy - if a little cheesy at times.!

I liked this going into it but I found that things moved so incredibly fast - it felt like they Scott and DIna had known each other all of 3 weeks before they were declaring their undying love for each other. Insta Love can work sometime and one could argue soulmates and mystical forces can explain it here but it just didn't work for me. I didn't really believe or understand the connection.

The romance almost felt too easy, too convenient - odd considering the massive hex looming over the main couple, and I found myself frustrated with Dina's secrecy. She behaves in ways that are so incredibly selfish (for one not telling her partner about the hex!!!) and Scott seems to be totally fine with such red flag behaviour! Perhaps he truly was bewitched...

It was set up to be a super strong book but it loses it's leg during the wedding arc and completely stumbles for me towards the end.

This book may just scratch someone's flirty, witchy back - in fact I am certain come October many will eat it up, but for me it left me wanting...

This was a magical read. The magic and romance elements were both beautifully presented with lovely characters, overall a very cosy and adorable read.

This was a really well developed cosy fantasy romance; and a different take on the hidden-witch narrative.

I really enjoyed the pacing and the characters, it felt authentic and developed.

The food descriptions were beautiful and all of the different teas were a joy to read about- I think the detail in this book is exquisite.

I think this fits perfectly alongside dislikes titles like The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches.

This book felt like a warming cup of spiced coffee on a chilly day. I loved the premise of the story and thought that the plot was well paced. Dina and Scott were well rounded protagonists and I found myself really rooting for them. It was also so nice to see Dina's Moroccan background showcased. This book is the perfect cosy, magical read for an Autumn day and I would definitely recommend it for some wholesome and spooky fun!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book was everything. The magic was simple and easy misunderstand not to mention cute as all heck. The fmc and mmc were both wonderfully well rounded and the spice was excellent. I read the book in one sitting and immediately went to pre order it. The whole atmosphere of this book was spooky, cosy, loving and engaging all at once. Excellent book.

A spicy, cosy witchy rom com, this will be perfect to read in October time. The characters were well rounded out and the romance was cute if a bit insta-lovey.

In Best Hex Ever, Dina Whitlock is a talented kitchen witch with a troubled love life due to a hex that hurts anyone who falls in love with her. She finds herself drawn to Scott Mason, a curator at the British Museum. As their connection deepens, so does the hex. Can Dina break the hex before Scott gets hurt?

I knew on page 5 that I was going to love this, as soon as I got to this quote:
"That sweater, fluffy as it was, wasn't hiding the muscles rippling underneath as he bent down to pick up the broken evil eye. What was a man with a body like that doing with tweed elbow patches and wire-rimmed glasses? He looked like a professor who moon-lit as a cage fighter."
Say no more!

This book was just incredibly easy to read, and exactly as predicted when I plopped myself down on the sofa to read it, I binged it in one go. It had that heartwarming, cozy feel of a paranormal romance that I just love. Baking magic - as if it couldn't get anymore wholesome! The main characters were strong separately and so well matched, with Scott's professional background in cultural symbols of luck. They had chemistry right from the start and while there is definite spice in this book, it was so well done and well balanced with the story and the romantic build up!

I can't believe that this is Nadia El-Fassi's debut novel. It was a perfect paranormal romance and I loved how Dina's Moroccan heritage was so evident in the story. It was so refreshing to see a different culture represented in this genre and I just loved Dina's family and how the magic works in this world.

I am really hoping that Dina's friend Rosemary gets her own book, since she has her own supernatural ability and there was a definite nod towards who her MMC would be. I definitely felt there was potential for more stories in this world, so I hope there's more to come! I'll definitely be inhaling more of Nadia's books in the future.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.