What do you think?
Rate this book
Hexes and Fangs
Madeline
I fled my arranged marriage with nothing but a suitcase and a no magic, no more bowing to the Parker legacy.
In Wicked, I'll build a normal life—no spells, no family expectations, no predetermined fate.
Then I walk into Sebastian LeClare's physical therapy office looking for a job, and everything I'm running from catches up with me in the worst way.
He's gorgeous, overwhelmed with work, and hires me on the spot.
His ocean-blue eyes make me want to break every promise I made to myself about staying independent.
He's kind, attentive, and everything I never knew I needed.
But I can't fall for my boss when I'm barely standing on my own two feet.
And I definitely can't tell him the truth— that I'm a green witch hiding from a powerful family who won't let me go without a fight.
If Sebastian discovers what I really am, will he still want me? Or will my secrets destroy the first real thing I've ever had?
Sebastian
I've been a vampire for over a century, and I moved to Wicked for one to find my fated mate— the one person who can balance the monster inside me.
After years of disappointment, I've resigned myself to the monotony.
Work, blood, sleep, repeat.
Then Madeline Parker walks into my office, and everything changes.
Her flame-red curls and fierce independence captivate me instantly.
But it's the aura surrounding her—bright, unmistakable, impossible to ignore—that tells me the she's mine.
The universe has finally answered. There's just one problem.
She's human.
I can't rush this.
The moment I reveal what I am —that I need blood to survive, that fate has bound us together— most people would run.
And I can't lose her before she even knows what we could be.
But time is running out.
Her past is catching up, and if I don't claim her soon, I might lose my mate forever.
If you
~ fated mates
~ witch & vampire stories
~ he falls first
~ secret identity
~ opposites attract paranormal
~ quick and spicy reads
... then come inside for a tale you won't forget!
Welcome to Wicked, where magic simmers beneath the surface and fated mates are more than just legend. In this small town, witches, vampires, shifters, and other supernatural beings are searching for the one thing that can complete them— true love.
But finding their fated mate is only the beginning.
Between family secrets, ancient curses, and the constant threat of exposure, these paranormal lovers will have to fight for their happily ever afters.
Because in Wicked, destiny doesn't make love easy— it makes it worth fighting for.
I fled my arranged marriage with nothing but a suitcase and a no magic, no more bowing to the Parker legacy.
In Wicked, I'll build a normal life—no spells, no family expectations, no predetermined fate.
Then I walk into Sebastian LeClare's physical therapy office looking for a job, and everything I'm running from catches up with me in the worst way.
He's gorgeous, overwhelmed with work, and hires me on the spot.
His ocean-blue eyes make me want to break every promise I made to myself about staying independent.
He's kind, attentive, and everything I never knew I needed.
But I can't fall for my boss when I'm barely standing on my own two feet.
And I definitely can't tell him the truth— that I'm a green witch hiding from a powerful family who won't let me go without a fight.
If Sebastian discovers what I really am, will he still want me? Or will my secrets destroy the first real thing I've ever had?
Sebastian
I've been a vampire for over a century, and I moved to Wicked for one to find my fated mate— the one person who can balance the monster inside me.
After years of disappointment, I've resigned myself to the monotony.
Work, blood, sleep, repeat.
Then Madeline Parker walks into my office, and everything changes.
Her flame-red curls and fierce independence captivate me instantly.
But it's the aura surrounding her—bright, unmistakable, impossible to ignore—that tells me the she's mine.
The universe has finally answered. There's just one problem.
She's human.
I can't rush this.
The moment I reveal what I am —that I need blood to survive, that fate has bound us together— most people would run.
And I can't lose her before she even knows what we could be.
But time is running out.
Her past is catching up, and if I don't claim her soon, I might lose my mate forever.
If you
~ fated mates
~ witch & vampire stories
~ he falls first
~ secret identity
~ opposites attract paranormal
~ quick and spicy reads
... then come inside for a tale you won't forget!
Welcome to Wicked, where magic simmers beneath the surface and fated mates are more than just legend. In this small town, witches, vampires, shifters, and other supernatural beings are searching for the one thing that can complete them— true love.
But finding their fated mate is only the beginning.
Between family secrets, ancient curses, and the constant threat of exposure, these paranormal lovers will have to fight for their happily ever afters.
Because in Wicked, destiny doesn't make love easy— it makes it worth fighting for.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2026
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy
This novella is a quick read in the best way. It has charming characters and a feel-good atmosphere. I loved rooting for Sebs and Mads; and I'm also very curious about this world. Knowing it's just the first book is a bonus! What a great way to start my year reading. Highly recommend!
Edit (computer allowing for better typing) 1/12/2026.
The novella is one I breezed through in a wonderful way; it reminded me of one of those feel-good romance movies, but with a paranormal twist. Having a world filled with witches, vampires, and more, the characters fate obstacles they otherwise wouldn't. This includes cultural differences, stigmas, and misinformation they want to break past.
The POVs belong to Sebs and Mads, both of whom have compelling stories. They each add layers to the world building without leaving the reader overwhelmed; on the contrary, I'm hungry for more! More of these characters and their world alike. That in no way means this story feels like it's lacking or incomplete. It's filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and events, there is no stagmant moment. I loved learning about each character, loved rooting for them to come together, and delighted in having a feel-good story to begin my year.
It's one you can read during any part of the year, though also lends well for spooky season (I think I'll be rereading this one at that point). It has me wanting to read more from this author--in general, and in this world along with any connected stories and series. Malotke has a talent for offering us a story of love with fated mates that feels fresh. What a treat! Five stars.
Edit (computer allowing for better typing) 1/12/2026.
The novella is one I breezed through in a wonderful way; it reminded me of one of those feel-good romance movies, but with a paranormal twist. Having a world filled with witches, vampires, and more, the characters fate obstacles they otherwise wouldn't. This includes cultural differences, stigmas, and misinformation they want to break past.
The POVs belong to Sebs and Mads, both of whom have compelling stories. They each add layers to the world building without leaving the reader overwhelmed; on the contrary, I'm hungry for more! More of these characters and their world alike. That in no way means this story feels like it's lacking or incomplete. It's filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and events, there is no stagmant moment. I loved learning about each character, loved rooting for them to come together, and delighted in having a feel-good story to begin my year.
It's one you can read during any part of the year, though also lends well for spooky season (I think I'll be rereading this one at that point). It has me wanting to read more from this author--in general, and in this world along with any connected stories and series. Malotke has a talent for offering us a story of love with fated mates that feels fresh. What a treat! Five stars.
Review of advance copy
Madeline is a gifted and ambitious witch. Since graduating she's been working hard to reach her goals; goals, that to the great annoyance of her parents, don't include romance.
While her lack of romance is something they subtly, and not so subtly, pick at often, Madeline didn't think they were actually that serious until her father announced her "practically settled" arranged marriage to the heir of another coven.
It doesn't seem to matter that she's twenty-five and painfully uninterested, or that arranged marriages are a relic of the last century (in the most generous light). Apparently, when you come from a prominent witch family they are an unwelcome reality. While doing something for the honor of her family has always been a good enough reason in the past, Madeline can't justify marrying a man she's never met on that ground alone. Running is her only answer.
Thankfully, she's able to land a job quickly at Dr. LeClare's clinic. The doctor is definitely overwhelmed, behaves oddly, and she's about one-hundred and fifteen precent sure he's a vampire. However, he's not asking any hard questions, so she won't push matters.
Her family will stop looking for her eventually. She just needs to wait them out, and then she can figure out her next step.
This was a cute, quick read. A compelling world, with interesting characters, and a light hearted romance.
The paranormal physical therapist's office was an interesting setting, and a facet that piqued my interest early. While I do understand the primary focus of the narrative was the romance between Madeline and Dr. LeClare (aka Sebastian... aka Seb), I do wish there had been a bit more specificity about the clients that Madeline was regularly interacting with. The narrative does make a point of emphasizing the impact that Madeline is having at the office, so I feel like reducing clients to a faceless mass was a bit of a missed opportunity.
Madeline and Sebastian were fun leads. I appreciated their relaxed, open communication throughout the majority of the narrative.
The narrative puts a lot of emphasis on Madeline's desire to become stronger and more independent, but form the start she is a grounded, thoughtful character, who is well adept at logically (or close to logically) working through her problems.
Similarly, Sebastian is a sweet, compassionate character. When he gives himself a pep-talk before attempting to (successfully he hopes, he's not exactly up on the most recent etiquette) engage Madeline in small talk, I fear I did fall in love just a little bit.
This narrative is short, and quite fast paced; the pacing is fairly consistent, at least until the conclusion.
The conclusion is really the only area where I have legitimate criticism for this narrative. It felt incredibly rushed, and while it didn't leave too many main plot threads loose, the resolution it provided felt unearned, and a bit inexplicable.
There were some minor plot elements sprinkled throughout this narrative that were brought up only to be dropped for seemingly no reason. Since this is the first book in a series I will be curious to see if any of those elements do eventually bear fruit across the wider narrative.
If you are looking for a light hearted, quick paranormal romance I do think this narrative is worth investing in. I personally will be anxious to see how it develops from here.
An additional note, this book (and presumably series) does seem to share a setting with the existing series Moody Monster Drive, but it is not necessary to read those narratives prior to jumping into this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While her lack of romance is something they subtly, and not so subtly, pick at often, Madeline didn't think they were actually that serious until her father announced her "practically settled" arranged marriage to the heir of another coven.
It doesn't seem to matter that she's twenty-five and painfully uninterested, or that arranged marriages are a relic of the last century (in the most generous light). Apparently, when you come from a prominent witch family they are an unwelcome reality. While doing something for the honor of her family has always been a good enough reason in the past, Madeline can't justify marrying a man she's never met on that ground alone. Running is her only answer.
Thankfully, she's able to land a job quickly at Dr. LeClare's clinic. The doctor is definitely overwhelmed, behaves oddly, and she's about one-hundred and fifteen precent sure he's a vampire. However, he's not asking any hard questions, so she won't push matters.
Her family will stop looking for her eventually. She just needs to wait them out, and then she can figure out her next step.
This was a cute, quick read. A compelling world, with interesting characters, and a light hearted romance.
The paranormal physical therapist's office was an interesting setting, and a facet that piqued my interest early. While I do understand the primary focus of the narrative was the romance between Madeline and Dr. LeClare (aka Sebastian... aka Seb), I do wish there had been a bit more specificity about the clients that Madeline was regularly interacting with. The narrative does make a point of emphasizing the impact that Madeline is having at the office, so I feel like reducing clients to a faceless mass was a bit of a missed opportunity.
Madeline and Sebastian were fun leads. I appreciated their relaxed, open communication throughout the majority of the narrative.
The narrative puts a lot of emphasis on Madeline's desire to become stronger and more independent, but form the start she is a grounded, thoughtful character, who is well adept at logically (or close to logically) working through her problems.
Similarly, Sebastian is a sweet, compassionate character. When he gives himself a pep-talk before attempting to (successfully he hopes, he's not exactly up on the most recent etiquette) engage Madeline in small talk, I fear I did fall in love just a little bit.
This narrative is short, and quite fast paced; the pacing is fairly consistent, at least until the conclusion.
The conclusion is really the only area where I have legitimate criticism for this narrative. It felt incredibly rushed, and while it didn't leave too many main plot threads loose, the resolution it provided felt unearned, and a bit inexplicable.
There were some minor plot elements sprinkled throughout this narrative that were brought up only to be dropped for seemingly no reason. Since this is the first book in a series I will be curious to see if any of those elements do eventually bear fruit across the wider narrative.
If you are looking for a light hearted, quick paranormal romance I do think this narrative is worth investing in. I personally will be anxious to see how it develops from here.
An additional note, this book (and presumably series) does seem to share a setting with the existing series Moody Monster Drive, but it is not necessary to read those narratives prior to jumping into this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes the bravest magic is choosing yourself—and sometimes fate has other plans. Hexes and Fangs by Brianna Malotke is a charming, quick-burn paranormal romance that blends witchy rebellion, vampire devotion, and the irresistible pull of fated mates.
Madeline Parker is done being controlled. When her powerful witch family announces her arranged marriage like it’s a done deal, she does the unthinkable—she runs. No magic. No coven politics. No bending to legacy. Wicked is supposed to be her clean slate, a place where she can finally build a normal, independent life on her own terms.
Enter Sebastian LeClare.
He’s a centuries-old vampire, a physical therapist drowning in work, and quietly searching for the one thing that’s eluded him for over a hundred years—his fated mate. When Madeline walks into his office looking for a job, the universe clicks into place. She’s his. The balance he’s been waiting for. The problem? She thinks she’s human… and she’s hiding from a family that won’t stop hunting her.
What makes Hexes and Fangs shine is its soft, sweet dynamic. Sebastian absolutely falls first, and it’s adorable. From awkward pep talks to gentle restraint, his careful patience is refreshing and endearing. Madeline, meanwhile, is already strong and grounded—even as she’s learning what independence really means outside her family’s shadow.
The setting—a paranormal-friendly physical therapy clinic—is a fun and unique backdrop, and the romance unfolds with warmth, open communication, and just enough spice to keep things exciting. The story moves fast, making it a perfect bite-sized read for paranormal romance lovers.
While the ending wraps up quickly and leaves you wanting just a bit more breathing room, it also clearly opens the door to a larger world filled with secrets, curses, and future love stories waiting to unfold.
If you enjoy witch & vampire pairings, secret identities, fated mates, and lighthearted paranormal romance with heart, Hexes and Fangs is a delightful introduction to Wicked—where destiny may be messy, but it’s always worth fighting for.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Madeline Parker is done being controlled. When her powerful witch family announces her arranged marriage like it’s a done deal, she does the unthinkable—she runs. No magic. No coven politics. No bending to legacy. Wicked is supposed to be her clean slate, a place where she can finally build a normal, independent life on her own terms.
Enter Sebastian LeClare.
He’s a centuries-old vampire, a physical therapist drowning in work, and quietly searching for the one thing that’s eluded him for over a hundred years—his fated mate. When Madeline walks into his office looking for a job, the universe clicks into place. She’s his. The balance he’s been waiting for. The problem? She thinks she’s human… and she’s hiding from a family that won’t stop hunting her.
What makes Hexes and Fangs shine is its soft, sweet dynamic. Sebastian absolutely falls first, and it’s adorable. From awkward pep talks to gentle restraint, his careful patience is refreshing and endearing. Madeline, meanwhile, is already strong and grounded—even as she’s learning what independence really means outside her family’s shadow.
The setting—a paranormal-friendly physical therapy clinic—is a fun and unique backdrop, and the romance unfolds with warmth, open communication, and just enough spice to keep things exciting. The story moves fast, making it a perfect bite-sized read for paranormal romance lovers.
While the ending wraps up quickly and leaves you wanting just a bit more breathing room, it also clearly opens the door to a larger world filled with secrets, curses, and future love stories waiting to unfold.
If you enjoy witch & vampire pairings, secret identities, fated mates, and lighthearted paranormal romance with heart, Hexes and Fangs is a delightful introduction to Wicked—where destiny may be messy, but it’s always worth fighting for.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW
Hexes and Fangs by Brianna Malotke
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)
Witch Madeline runs when her parents attempt to force her into an arranged marriage, landing in Wicked—a town crawling with supernatural residents—where she takes a job working for Sebastian, a vampire. The two are fated mates and feel the pull immediately, because destiny waits for no one.
When Madeline’s family tracks her down, Sebastian is forced to choose: reveal their bond and risk everything, or let her go and lose her forever.
I love supernatural romance. I’ve been feral for vampires since childhood, so I went into this one very ready to be obsessed. And honestly? Sebastian was the standout. He completely subverts the usual vampire archetype—no suave seducer here. Instead, he’s dorky, awkward, and oddly endearing, which makes him feel fresh and memorable.
That said, I desperately wanted more of him. His backstory—who he was before he turned, how it happened, and how he ended up in Wicked—felt like a missed opportunity. Those threads were far more interesting to me than the central conflict, and I wish the story had spent more time digging into them.
Sebastian absolutely carried this book for me, and while the premise had promise, I wanted deeper world-building and more emotional development to really sell the romance.
Thank you to Last Chapter Press ARC Readers for providing an ARC!
For fans of: Supernatural Romance | 🧙♀️ Witches | 🧛 Vampires
#HexesAndFangs #BriannaMalotke #ARCReview #SupernaturalRomance #ParanormalRomance #VampireRomance #WitchRomance #BookstagramRomance #RomanceReaders
Hexes and Fangs by Brianna Malotke
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)
Witch Madeline runs when her parents attempt to force her into an arranged marriage, landing in Wicked—a town crawling with supernatural residents—where she takes a job working for Sebastian, a vampire. The two are fated mates and feel the pull immediately, because destiny waits for no one.
When Madeline’s family tracks her down, Sebastian is forced to choose: reveal their bond and risk everything, or let her go and lose her forever.
I love supernatural romance. I’ve been feral for vampires since childhood, so I went into this one very ready to be obsessed. And honestly? Sebastian was the standout. He completely subverts the usual vampire archetype—no suave seducer here. Instead, he’s dorky, awkward, and oddly endearing, which makes him feel fresh and memorable.
That said, I desperately wanted more of him. His backstory—who he was before he turned, how it happened, and how he ended up in Wicked—felt like a missed opportunity. Those threads were far more interesting to me than the central conflict, and I wish the story had spent more time digging into them.
Sebastian absolutely carried this book for me, and while the premise had promise, I wanted deeper world-building and more emotional development to really sell the romance.
Thank you to Last Chapter Press ARC Readers for providing an ARC!
For fans of: Supernatural Romance | 🧙♀️ Witches | 🧛 Vampires
#HexesAndFangs #BriannaMalotke #ARCReview #SupernaturalRomance #ParanormalRomance #VampireRomance #WitchRomance #BookstagramRomance #RomanceReaders
January 26, 2026
This book was such a good read despite being less than 100 pages. I read it so quickly. It was adorable and sweet. The banter and zings between Madeline and Sebastian are perfection. Their connection is electric. They both feel it from the start, and both actively try to avoid it. The will they won’t they, the push and the pull, is wonderfully done. The story keeps you in the most delicious limbo until it doesn’t. Sebastian is a complete cinnamon roll and an utter romantic when it comes to Madeline. Madeline wants to be. Simple as that. When she learns of her connection to Sebastian it’s a moment for the ages. So precious how he claims her. The ending is perfect. Sweet just like the baked goods Seb brought Mads.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This is a cozy cute short read!
Vampire x witch and fated mates 🖤
Finished this in a day it had me hooked
Madeline's parents want her to marry a man shes never met so she runs away to wicked Massachusetts where she takes a job at a clinic and meets her fated mate.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🌶
This is a cozy cute short read!
Vampire x witch and fated mates 🖤
Finished this in a day it had me hooked
Madeline's parents want her to marry a man shes never met so she runs away to wicked Massachusetts where she takes a job at a clinic and meets her fated mate.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this romantic story. I liked how Madeline escaped from an arranged marriage to find love and her true mate in Sebastian. I'm glad her father accepted her choice in the end.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews