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Hex Kitchen #1
Hex Kitchen
“Hex Kitchen transports you to a delicious world of culinary magic and fantastical, sometimes deadly, competition where every dish keeps you at the edge of your plate—wondering who will win the next move and what bite may be their last.” —Elizabeth Karmel, best-selling cookbook author, and Chopped and Iron Chef judge
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Hunger Games in this mouthwatering, magical, and murderous fantasy.
Hex Kitchen is a once-a-decade tournament where contestants have to cook magical dishes that are to die...and maybe even to kill...for.
Kenzie has perfected the art of outrunning her past. New city, new tattoos, new name. No one from her former life as a chef at one of Manhattan’s top culinary hot spots would think to look for her in the middle-of-nowhere Tennessee. When Kenzie’s dishes go from normal to inexplicably bizarre, she is plunged into the secret world of magical cuisine.
On the other side of the globe, famed culinary magician Braxton McKaid is cooking up a storm. He’s just days away from a tournament with a mysterious prize that is powerful enough to save his family’s failing restaurant empire. But his preparations are derailed when a ghost from his past turns all of his thoughts away from the tournament and onto revenge.
When Braxton and Kenzie's paths collide, the result is betrayal, a perilous attraction, and a brewing threat neither can escape unscathed. What begins as a magical cooking tournament transforms into a fight for their lives...where only one can win.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Hunger Games in this mouthwatering, magical, and murderous fantasy.
Hex Kitchen is a once-a-decade tournament where contestants have to cook magical dishes that are to die...and maybe even to kill...for.
Kenzie has perfected the art of outrunning her past. New city, new tattoos, new name. No one from her former life as a chef at one of Manhattan’s top culinary hot spots would think to look for her in the middle-of-nowhere Tennessee. When Kenzie’s dishes go from normal to inexplicably bizarre, she is plunged into the secret world of magical cuisine.
On the other side of the globe, famed culinary magician Braxton McKaid is cooking up a storm. He’s just days away from a tournament with a mysterious prize that is powerful enough to save his family’s failing restaurant empire. But his preparations are derailed when a ghost from his past turns all of his thoughts away from the tournament and onto revenge.
When Braxton and Kenzie's paths collide, the result is betrayal, a perilous attraction, and a brewing threat neither can escape unscathed. What begins as a magical cooking tournament transforms into a fight for their lives...where only one can win.
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Published March 18, 2025
21 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fazio
22 books42 followersStephanie Fazio is a fantasy author. She grew up in Syracuse, New York, and prior to writing full time, she worked in the fields of journalism, secondary education, and higher education. She has an undergraduate degree in English from Colgate University and a Master’s degree in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephanie lives in Austin with her husband and crazy rescue dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s getting lost in parks, hosting taco nights, or ironically and miserably losing at word games, but having fun while she does it.
Stephanie lives in Austin with her husband and crazy rescue dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s getting lost in parks, hosting taco nights, or ironically and miserably losing at word games, but having fun while she does it.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 7, 2022
A different kind of paranormal story. Two enemies fighting together to win a cooking competition.
December 10, 2021
Kenzie and Braxton
Culinary magical cook off and Braxton is favored to win. Kinzie is the newby and has a different kind of magic. But their attraction might get in the way.
Culinary magical cook off and Braxton is favored to win. Kinzie is the newby and has a different kind of magic. But their attraction might get in the way.
April 30, 2022
Such a good and fun read. I didn’t want it to end! Have started on Book 2 of this 3 book series. Cant wait to read more about the magical cooking adventures of Braxton and Kenzie!
November 14, 2021
Magically Addicting!!
This book is just magically addicting and pulled me in from the first sentence!! It has suspense, magic, and danger.. The characters pull you in, and keep you entertained!!
This book is just magically addicting and pulled me in from the first sentence!! It has suspense, magic, and danger.. The characters pull you in, and keep you entertained!!
January 19, 2022
It's more than the sum of the ingredients!
I enjoyed the action! The story starts slow and then continually picks up speed! Murders left and right? Magic? Poison? Cabals and shenanigans and just a spicy dusting of fade over sex. A fun read!
I enjoyed the action! The story starts slow and then continually picks up speed! Murders left and right? Magic? Poison? Cabals and shenanigans and just a spicy dusting of fade over sex. A fun read!
November 30, 2021
A delightful and magical dish!
-Big thanks to the author for trusting me with an eARC-
After the accident in New York, Kenzie fled to Tennessee, refusing to cook again. But when her boss needs her to cook in the diner she works in, she has no choice but to dive right back in. As her food starts doing some unexpected and almost magical things, her exploits draw the attention of famous culinary magician Braxton McKaid. When they meet for a cooking tornament, their pasts will merge for the worst.
Wow, wow, wow! This book was so unique and amazing! I've loved all the books by Stephanie I've read so far, and this one didn't disappoint. I loved the backstories of both main characters and how it was linked. It really brought out some unexpected feelings between them and I loved that. Both Kenzie and Braxton are really lovable and interesting characters. I liked how they evolved throughout the book as well. The romance was just amazing! I saw sparks! It was hot and cute and simply perfect, gave me butterflies. A whole other level of "enemies to lovers" if you ask me. As for the concept, I was simply blown away! It was such an unique and great idea to do a magical cooking tournament! I didn't know what to think of it at first, but I was not disappointed. Yes, I was hungry for the entire book, but it was really fun. This book is full of twists and turns, magic, food, violence and revenge, all of this perfectly balanced. I couldn't get enough. Stephanie's writing is addictive and smart, really pleasant to read, and I cannot wait to read the next book. Special mention to Kiwi the chameleon who stole my heart from the very first appearance!
I'd defintiely recommend if you like magic, food and tournaments like the Hunger Games.
"You won't crumble under the weight of your past."
-Big thanks to the author for trusting me with an eARC-
After the accident in New York, Kenzie fled to Tennessee, refusing to cook again. But when her boss needs her to cook in the diner she works in, she has no choice but to dive right back in. As her food starts doing some unexpected and almost magical things, her exploits draw the attention of famous culinary magician Braxton McKaid. When they meet for a cooking tornament, their pasts will merge for the worst.
Wow, wow, wow! This book was so unique and amazing! I've loved all the books by Stephanie I've read so far, and this one didn't disappoint. I loved the backstories of both main characters and how it was linked. It really brought out some unexpected feelings between them and I loved that. Both Kenzie and Braxton are really lovable and interesting characters. I liked how they evolved throughout the book as well. The romance was just amazing! I saw sparks! It was hot and cute and simply perfect, gave me butterflies. A whole other level of "enemies to lovers" if you ask me. As for the concept, I was simply blown away! It was such an unique and great idea to do a magical cooking tournament! I didn't know what to think of it at first, but I was not disappointed. Yes, I was hungry for the entire book, but it was really fun. This book is full of twists and turns, magic, food, violence and revenge, all of this perfectly balanced. I couldn't get enough. Stephanie's writing is addictive and smart, really pleasant to read, and I cannot wait to read the next book. Special mention to Kiwi the chameleon who stole my heart from the very first appearance!
I'd defintiely recommend if you like magic, food and tournaments like the Hunger Games.
"You won't crumble under the weight of your past."
January 2, 2022
unexpected adventure
I loved the unexpected, thrilling adventure of twists and turns. The characters are fun and captivating. Loved it! Can’t wait to start the next book!
I loved the unexpected, thrilling adventure of twists and turns. The characters are fun and captivating. Loved it! Can’t wait to start the next book!
November 11, 2021
Kenzie left her old life in New York City and moved to a small town in Tennessee to escape from her past, and the dreams she had, she let them die. Braxton McKaid is a famous culinary magician in his own right, maybe not as famous as his brother, but he thinks he's doing all right. When he finds out that Kenzie has also been invited to compete in Hex Kitchen, he plots his revenge to destroy the life of the man who killed his twin brother. Kenzie had no idea she was a culinary magician, but when she is invited to compete in the once-a-decade competition, and what the winning prize could do for her, she decides to participate.
Kenzie and Braxton are well written, and compelling characters forced into a partnership neither wants, and quickly realizing that neither one knows all of the facts of the tragedy that changed their lives forever. Absolutely wonderful and unique characters through out this book. Dangerous attraction, betrayal, deadly threats from unexpected sources, and some surprising twists in the plot. I couldn't put this book down, I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Kenzie and Braxton are well written, and compelling characters forced into a partnership neither wants, and quickly realizing that neither one knows all of the facts of the tragedy that changed their lives forever. Absolutely wonderful and unique characters through out this book. Dangerous attraction, betrayal, deadly threats from unexpected sources, and some surprising twists in the plot. I couldn't put this book down, I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 22, 2021
4.5 ** I had no idea what I was getting with this book. Half Willy Wonka, half Hunger Games? I loved both, but it still sounded a little weird.
Thinking this was a single novel, I dived right in and absolutely loved it. Though the main characters are kind of anti-heroes in their own right, you can't help but love Kenzie and Braxton. There innocent, but savage. And, throughout the story, you can just tell they are perfect for each other.
The heat is low, but the chemistry is strong and I couldn't stop reading, wanting to figure out what happened. Some concepts were kind of unbelievable, but Fazio did such an amazing job with the storytelling, that you weren't really left with technological questions.
As my percentage marker kept closing in on one hundred, I truly thought I was going to be disappointed. So much left unanswered and open and that's when I discovered it's a trilogy.
So, now I am 'patiently' waiting for Cutthroat Cuisine to release, so I can figure out what happens!
Thinking this was a single novel, I dived right in and absolutely loved it. Though the main characters are kind of anti-heroes in their own right, you can't help but love Kenzie and Braxton. There innocent, but savage. And, throughout the story, you can just tell they are perfect for each other.
The heat is low, but the chemistry is strong and I couldn't stop reading, wanting to figure out what happened. Some concepts were kind of unbelievable, but Fazio did such an amazing job with the storytelling, that you weren't really left with technological questions.
As my percentage marker kept closing in on one hundred, I truly thought I was going to be disappointed. So much left unanswered and open and that's when I discovered it's a trilogy.
So, now I am 'patiently' waiting for Cutthroat Cuisine to release, so I can figure out what happens!
November 11, 2021
Full disclosure: I got an advance e-copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. The review is all mine though!
I LOVED this book. In fact I went to try and find the next book in the series when I finished this one even though I knew it was the first in the series. I read the whole thing in one sitting and wanted more!
In Fazio's new fantasy world there is Cooking Magic and it seems there are no limits to the fanciful things it can make happen! From flying food across the room to making you relive your best memory ever there are no bounds to the possibilities.
Now add in a pair of characters who hate each others guts that the world seems determined to pair together and you have a wonderful fantasy novel. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
I LOVED this book. In fact I went to try and find the next book in the series when I finished this one even though I knew it was the first in the series. I read the whole thing in one sitting and wanted more!
In Fazio's new fantasy world there is Cooking Magic and it seems there are no limits to the fanciful things it can make happen! From flying food across the room to making you relive your best memory ever there are no bounds to the possibilities.
Now add in a pair of characters who hate each others guts that the world seems determined to pair together and you have a wonderful fantasy novel. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
November 14, 2021
I like the concept of this book, all around a magical cooking competition, and enjoyed the conversations between both the main characters and their various friends. I loved the tidbit about Zimbabwe! This is an exciting start to a new series and I recommend it - be warned the book may make you super hungry!
I received a copy in return for an honest review.
I received a copy in return for an honest review.
November 18, 2021
This was a very enjoyable book that centers around a magical reality cooking show. The contestants are well written and the drama both before and during was great. There were a few deaths that were kind of a bummer but over all I really enjoyed this book and will be on the lookout for book two next month. Also very happy to see this is available via KU!
November 2, 2021
Absolutely fabulous! This book.. is just the best! It has suspense, magic, and danger.. The characters pull you in, and keep you entranced til the end!
November 12, 2021
Fabulous! Yummy food, sexy characters, competition to the death, need I say more. I read the whole book at once and couldn't put it down. Loved loved loved!
February 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This book has a lot of culinary descriptions but there is a huge fantasy element to this. Told from both POV. 4 stars.
December 28, 2025
This really captured my attention, and I couldn't put it down! It pulls you in immediately, and you just keep going and going to try and figure out where it will lead you next.
November 24, 2021
The idea of being able to magic my way through the kitchen is glorious lol. If only right? That right away intrigued me about this plot. We get magic with a extra topping of murder, mystery ohhh AND some hotness in the kitchen named Braxton. Kenzie is our other main character along side Braxton, but they both share a dark sad past, that will either end one of their lives or will love conquer all when the magic runs hot?
I've been on a book slump so I wasn't sure if it was me or just our characters, but It felt a bit long in the tooth with not much true chemistry between Brax and Kenz. There is a lot going on though so maybe the next book we will see more of the chemistry with them!
I enjoyed it, and will read it again to see if my thoughts stay the same! I received a copy in return for a honest review! I do recommend this for sure! <3
I've been on a book slump so I wasn't sure if it was me or just our characters, but It felt a bit long in the tooth with not much true chemistry between Brax and Kenz. There is a lot going on though so maybe the next book we will see more of the chemistry with them!
I enjoyed it, and will read it again to see if my thoughts stay the same! I received a copy in return for a honest review! I do recommend this for sure! <3
November 16, 2021
What happened? Everyone was dying and killing and trying to get revenge with the most ridiculous reasoning. Braxton even says to himself ‘I didn’t think that through’. NO! That alone is frustrating enough, but then BAM, cliffhanger. The story concept is super interesting and fun though so I’m very torn. I think characterization and plot points didn’t work for me but a good concept. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free
November 23, 2021
I adored this book! I was a little skeptical with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Hunger Games description, but it completely made sense! This book was a total page turner. There was romance, delicious food, nail biting action, and a twist ending that completely caught me by surprise. A wonderful surprise and a refreshing read.
November 23, 2021
This book was so good! I'm a cooking show fanatic so it was completely up my alley. The fire and ice shots were my favorite-I wish we had magic bars like that! The characters were witty and sarcastic, and there was just the right amount of steam. The food descriptions were the best, except I got to the point where I always had to have a snack on hand while I was reading!
November 3, 2021
This was a great start to a new series. The character work and story line were well written and entertaining. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2021
Fantastically magical plot. It took me awhile to get into but it is defintely worth sticking with. Filled with mystery, murder, mayhem and best of all magic this is a unique story and I look forward to more
January 12, 2022
Boring and predictable.
January 15, 2022
Like Chopped but deadly.. not sure the romance works for me, but it has some potential.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews