Nadia El-Fassi's The Best Hex Ever is an engaging urban fantasy that blends magic with modern life. The story follows Kira, a young witch who discovers an ancient spellbook containing a legendary hex. This discovery thrusts her into a conflict between powerful magical factions.

Kira is a relatable protagonist, and the supporting characters, like her friend Serena and the mysterious Max, add depth to the story. Themes of power, responsibility, and identity are explored thoughtfully, making the narrative more than just a magical adventure.

El-Fassi's descriptive prose vividly brings the urban magical world to life, and the dialogue feels natural and compelling. The plot is well-paced, balancing action and introspection.

The Best Hex Ever is a fresh and exciting addition to urban fantasy, perfect for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. It's an easy, fun, light-hearted read which will have you giggling and get you out of your reading slump!

The perfect book to read this autumn! It's packed with cosy, comforting and feel-good vibes and is set across various wholesome places that are sure to keep you immersed: an enchanted bakery cafe, a museum and an idyllic cottage. The plot is pretty predictable (although this is often common with romance novels) and although the romance definitely leans more into the instant-love trajectory, I think it worked fine here as the main character's own personal struggles (primarily the issue of the hex!) drove the tension throughout the book. Even the side characters are also well developed, and I loved the inclusion of Moroccan cultural elements throughout the novel. Anyone who loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Enchanted to Meet You or the Pumpkin Spice Cafe will absolutely love this! I also hope we get a novel on Rosemary's implied romantic adventure...

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I DIDN'T KNOW I NEEDED

Best Hex Ever is the debut novel of ex-Waterstones employee Nadia El-Fassi. This novel revived me from my month long reading slump, which I didn't think was possible for this bisexual witch cafe owner x museum curator romance.

I don't often read contemporary novels - or romance novels, in general - but this book is making me start. I didn't feel like the magic elements were out of place (yes, there are only 4 characters with magic) in this novel: a balanced blend of witchy magic and the usual chaos of dating/relationships with the business of life in London.

However, I have seen criticism of this novel and its use of tropes, in particular the insta-love trope. Whilst yes, the characters are attracted to each other from their meet cute, neither of them act upon these feelings until much later in the novel. In fact, Dina (our witchy protagonist) spends a large chunk of the novel scared of these feelings and what they mean (in regards to a spoiler which I will not mention).

Nadia El-Fassi's debut novel is like coming home to the kettle already boiling. I will definitely be reading her next book.

You can find Nadia El-Fassi on Twitter @chronicles_of_n.

3.5 stars - A witchy romcom is ALWAYS a good idea, and Best Hex Ever is such an easy and charming read.

At first I was worried this was going to be a predictable and basic book as there is not much character or world building, plus it has a very simple style at the start which feels rushed and exposition heavy. The relationship is lust at first sight which makes it feel a bit cliché, but luckily the story quickly picks up and grows on you.

Dina and Scott are so lovely - they're kind hearted and driven, and both have struggled with past experiences of love which adds a bit of tension to the dynamic. The romance starts purely steamy but quickly develops into something more. That being said, I thoroughly despise the phrase "good girl" and it made me cringe every single time.

I particularly adored the great friendships presented in this story. Immy and Rosemary are hilarious and wonderful, and you can really tell how much these women support one another. Eric was less drawn out, but his bond with Scott is clear. Some of my favourite moments were when it was just the friends having a chat - it was super cozy and sweet.

The magic was more atmospheric than a plot driving force, and I'd have loved to see this be even more developed. I loved how Dina uses tea, cocoa, and baked goods to create emotional memories for customers - it really added to the cozy elements.

The ending feels melodramatic, but it was an interesting twist and worked thematically. Overall this is a cute book with lots of spice, some cute café moments, and pinches of magic. Oh, and of course a magic house, anxieties around sexuality, a cat familiar, and even potential forest spirits! A perfect weekend read for autumn.

Cute witchy vibes straight off the bat which gave me high hopes for this ARC. I loved the magical bakery vibes, loved the representation in all the characters and by far my favourite thing was her magical house and Hemmie the cat! I’m not a huge fan of insta love and this really is love at first sight. I liked the characters overall, especially the side relationship of Immy and Eric. I feel like i would have rather read their story than Dina’s. Scott was okay, though again the whole instant falling in love kinda ruined it for me, I liked his back story though i do think it could have gone into more detail to give him some more depth. The whole ‘hex’ plot for me was a little watery, i feel like it was a bit wispy washy and i ended up skipping quite a few ages where Dina’s inner monologue was just ‘how do i break this curse’. The ending wasn’t surprising but that wasnt a bad thing. Overall this was a nice read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes instalove, witchy vibes and some spice.

Dina loves everything about her life as a witch, and has even made her peace with the hex that has plagued her love life. But then Scott comes along, and Dina knows that unless she can break the spell, they both risk getting their hearts broken...

Best Hex Ever is a page-turning, feel-good, witchy romance with plenty of spice. I would quite happily have read this book in one sitting, if time had allowed. There is enough tension to drive the plot, first as Dina tries to stay away from Scott, and then as she tries to break the hex, but this is one for people who like happily-ever-afters, and don't like their characters to suffer too much in the process. Both Dina and Scott are incredibly wholesome characters, with wonderful support networks, and I particularly loved the way Scott embodies some stereotypically masculine traits while breaking down others. I also loved the way that Dina's magic is depicted, as she is confident in her powers from the start of the book, and is able to use them in creative and consistent ways. Best Hex Ever tackles its characters' low self-esteem, grief, claustrophobia, and fears of queer, racial, and national acceptance in subtle but affirming ways, offering some much-needed escapism while also creating a world that the reader can relate to, and maybe even derive comfort from.

British romcom
3rd person
Slow burn
HEA
Sexy consent
Inclusion & diversity

The cover & title intrigued me immediately & I was really excited to see what sort of witchy things these characters would be getting up to.
I struggled to get into the story for the first third of the book but then began to enjoy it (maybe the character development/scene setting dragged on a bit too long, or felt a little flat? Or maybe it took a hot min to realise best not to take too seriously since it is a romcom).
The witchy magic element was fun & mentioned some interesting items/ideas but didn’t seem to have specific rules within the world & was used quite willy-nilly which made it feel almost as if used a plot thickener rather than it's own element of the story.
Despite this, it was an enjoyable read once I got into it, I really appreciated the self-acceptance piece at the end & brownie points for some spicy scenes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nadia El-Fassi for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had a really good time reading this and it was spicyyyyy. It’s definitely a book about self acceptance and love, letting down your guard to allow someone special in at the right time of your life. People come along when you least expect it and our MC’s definitely felt this way. So much love and magic in this book, it was wholesome and I enjoyed it.

This book grabbed my attention with the title and the cover, witchy romances are one of my favourite genres to enjoy.

Dina and Scott’s relationship is sizzling once they get together, I loved the slow burn to their romance.

This is a fun read enjoyable read, I liked the world this book explored.

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.