Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal | Publication Date: September 3, 2024 | Narrator(s): Laura Knight Keating, Zion Jang

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the free paperback copy!

☕ Quick Take:

A charming, laugh-out-loud romance with a dash of magic, perfect for spooky season!

📖 Synopsis:

Delia Merriweather may not believe in magic, but her family of quirky, non-magical witches does. The Merriweather women claim they’re under a generations-old hex, destined to be powerless until their “blue witch” restores their magic. Though Delia has always dismissed their beliefs, the women think her mysterious birthmark is proof she’s the one to break the curse. However, after accidentally unlocking magic (without resorting to any of the bizarre rituals her family suggested), Delia attracts the attention of the witching world—including her grumpy yet alluring neighbor, Max Halifax.

Max, who’s supposed to keep an eye on the Merriweathers, is immediately suspicious of Delia's newfound magic. With his family history tied to the Merriweathers' hex, he fears Delia’s power could repeat the past and lead to another spell-driven rule over the witching world. The only problem? Max can’t seem to resist Delia’s charm, despite all his efforts to keep his heart in check.

💭 My Thoughts:

Hot Hex Boyfriend was such a fun, cozy read! Delia’s family was every bit as vibrant and chaotic as you’d imagine from a family of “hexed” witches. I especially appreciated the balance Delia’s mother, Fiona, brought to the group, reigning in some of the wild eccentricity from Delia’s aunts and grandmother. The contrast between Delia’s lovable, slightly kooky family and the serious, logical Max made for some hilarious and heartwarming moments.

The side characters like Luke and Nicky were charming additions to the story. Nicky, in particular, stole the show with his impish tricks and sense of humor. The magic system was easy to follow and added a playful layer to the story without overshadowing the romance.

As for the audiobook, Laura Knight Keating’s narration was fantastic. Her Texas accent felt authentic without being over-the-top, which added to the cozy, southern vibe of the story. While I enjoyed Zion Jang’s male character voices, his portrayal of Delia felt a bit too breathy, and his accent was occasionally exaggerated. That said, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the audiobook.

🌟 Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with a touch of magic, Hot Hex Boyfriend is a perfect pick for the Halloween season! Bloom’s humor and vibrant characters will keep you laughing, and Delia and Max’s chemistry will have you swooning.