Hex Appeal

by Scarlett Rosewood

I'm an immortal Viking and a Ravenfeather, and I know what women want. I should, because I've had a thousand years to learn their desires and needs. I've honed my skills in the art of seduction and have never failed to get the woman I want—but only for a night and never in my bed. I don't do relationships. I get in, get laid, and get out.

But then I cross the wrong woman, and everything changes when Serafina decides to teach me a lesson I won't forget. Serafina is a witch, and she has spells and potions that can make a person's life a living nightmare. She doesn't simply turn me into a toad or a pumpkin; she hexes me, unleashing an uncomfortable consequence that shakes the very foundations of my masculinity.

I won't stand for it. The witch needs to learn that her actions have consequences. I'll show Serafina that I am not one to be trifled with. This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please use the look inside feature to read the trigger warnings.

352 pages, ebook

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[tiffsayshola · Rating 3 out of 5]

tl;dr
3⭐️ - hex appeal was an overall enjoyable read. i liked the banter between the main characters and the mix of humour/spice/action.

i think this book had a lot of potential and i quite enjoyed the first 2 acts of the book, which mostly consists of the main characters getting to know each other and growing closer (albeit a little fast imho) when the 3rd act came around however, things started to feel a little rushed, which made the characters -especially the newly introduced ones- and the story itself fall flat. it also made the love between serafina and gunnar just feel a little 'too intense, too soon'. the subplot and it's ensuing 'boss battle' was also too easily won which didn't make it as exciting and scary as it could have been.

i would've given hex appeal a 3,5 or 4 ⭐️ rating if either:

1) the story had been more fleshed out with more worldbuilding and character development or
2) if the story was kept simple and solely centred around the curse and the close proximity trope, and thus more of a cozy, smutty romantasy

i felt like the author wasn't entirely sure of the level of story depth/complexity they were aiming for with hex appeal.

that being said, i did find hex appeal enjoyable enough to keep me invested enough to finish reading it and i am curious to see where the story goes (because it has potential!).

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique find and I have to admit it has sucked me in from the get-go. This book has had me really intrigued by the fantasy romance, world-building, supernatural Witchy element, Viking lore, monsters, and delicious steamy spice that was beyond what I was hoping for. The enemies-to-lovers plot and the character development/redemption arc were not cliche and I loved it all the more for it. Serafina and Gunnar are both strong-willed characters that were written for each other and the blatant passion and warmth between them literally had me kicking my feet like a schoolgirl blushing and agreeing like a vixen myself. 

I definitely imagined the main cast as Holland Roden x Charlie Hunnam which only fuelled the flames more for me. The themes are darker but this book would not be complete without them or the territorial Viking and the stubborn-headed Witch that both razz each other up in the best way. The overall drama of the book helped to keep me intrigued as I love a good prophetic journey filled with suspense and good action-fighting scenes and monsters, and this ending delivered.  Overall, I rated this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[spicybookmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hex Appeal is a wonderful fast paced fantasy romance. The world building was fantastic and the verbiage used throughout this adventure was captivating. I was hooked from the very start and devoured this book.
While the love story may be considered slow burn, the spice was fast and deliciously feverish. The scenes were written so beautifully I found myself blushing and smirking throughout them all.
Our MMC Gunnar Ironfang is an immortal, arrogant, self-centered, centuries year-old Viking. While his charm and charisma may have allowed him to live a life filled with fleeting romances, he met his match when he crossed paths with Serafina Nightshade. Our gorgeous FMC is a feisty, confident , F’ around and find out sorceress.
When Gunnar’s self serving actions infuriate Serafina a series of events creates a forced proximity situation that I am all for. Gunnar determined to do what’s necessary to rectify the situation begins to evolve and opens his heart and mind to recognizing the needs of others. Simultaneously Seraphina realizes that maybe there is more to enjoy in life than trying to do everything alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed the character development. Their evolution together along with the banter and incredible spiciness was addicting.
I really adored reading Hex Appeal. I’m hoping, due to the introduction of characters from a previous book, newfound friendships, maybe new love interests and potential new powers to be explored, that maybe we will get to see more of this world in the future.

[Mackie Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Scarlett Rosewood delivers another great read. Seriously, Gunnar Ironfang is like a walking fantasy, strong, smoldering looks, and a dirty mouth. Serafina is a fierce, strong-willed woman who can more than hold her own against Gunnar. What I enjoy most about Scarlett's books are that they are fun, steamy, short reads that keep you entertained from the very first page to the every last.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had everything. I laughed, I had tears. There was some very nice spice. The story flowed well and overall I really enjoyed it. I recommend this book.

[N Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast paced steamy fantasy is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, with characters that'll make your heart race, dialogue that's as sharp as a sword, and a universe that's as real as it is magical. Gunnar and Serafina are an electric duo that'll have you grinning and blushing like a fool. They know how to push each other's buttons in the best way possible, and their interactions are the stuff steamy daydreams are made of. The world-building in Hex Appeal is seriously top-notch.
And here's a bonus, some of the characters from a previous book that I enjoyed as much as this one make a surprise appearance.