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To Vex & To Hex
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26The Pumpkin Spice Café meets A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping in this cozy, high spice rom com featuring a bookseller witch and her aggravating but attractive new colleague.
Lucy Ansari’s life revolves around Crawley Books. As a witch, Lucy finds that Charles, the magical old man who owns it, feels more like family than her actual family. And like Lucy, her magic seems to adore books–but she definitely doesn’t adore Charles’ useless grandson, Grayson, who suddenly arrived from Ireland to “help” when Charles breaks his hip.
Grayson has never shown any interest in his lonely grandfather or the store Charles (and Lucy!) have dedicated their lives to. Suspicious of Grayson’s motives, there’s no way Lucy will let him disappoint Charles yet again–she’ll just have to hex him into leaving. But the arrogant, prickly Grayson seems determined to stay, and to finally mend his relationship with Charles before it’s too late. Except, much to his chagrin (and Lucy’s delight), Lucy refuses to part with his grandfather or the store. So, nonmagical Grayson decides to use his own version of vexing Lucy until she gives up her self-anointed role as Charles’ one and only protector.
As shenanigans ensue and sparks fly, Lucy and Grayson realize they share more than just responsibilities at the bookstore–like budding feelings for one another they’re desperate to suppress. But if they can only stop vexing and hexing, it might just be time to take a chance on each other.
Neena Noon’s To Vex & To Hex is a funny, emotional romance about finding home in the places and people you love.
Lucy Ansari’s life revolves around Crawley Books. As a witch, Lucy finds that Charles, the magical old man who owns it, feels more like family than her actual family. And like Lucy, her magic seems to adore books–but she definitely doesn’t adore Charles’ useless grandson, Grayson, who suddenly arrived from Ireland to “help” when Charles breaks his hip.
Grayson has never shown any interest in his lonely grandfather or the store Charles (and Lucy!) have dedicated their lives to. Suspicious of Grayson’s motives, there’s no way Lucy will let him disappoint Charles yet again–she’ll just have to hex him into leaving. But the arrogant, prickly Grayson seems determined to stay, and to finally mend his relationship with Charles before it’s too late. Except, much to his chagrin (and Lucy’s delight), Lucy refuses to part with his grandfather or the store. So, nonmagical Grayson decides to use his own version of vexing Lucy until she gives up her self-anointed role as Charles’ one and only protector.
As shenanigans ensue and sparks fly, Lucy and Grayson realize they share more than just responsibilities at the bookstore–like budding feelings for one another they’re desperate to suppress. But if they can only stop vexing and hexing, it might just be time to take a chance on each other.
Neena Noon’s To Vex & To Hex is a funny, emotional romance about finding home in the places and people you love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 11, 2026Loved the bookstore setup, hated the childish characters.
DNF 45%. The idea of rivals hexing and vexing each other was cute, but the way it all came together felt so disjointed and superficial. Whoever compared this book to A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping needs jail time. That book has heart. This just felt cringe.
The first chapter was so good and set up such a great start, but everything after that was a struggle to get through. If you’re going to give me the lowest of low stakes, I need the characters to pull me in completely. And yet, this is lacking in everything: well developed characters, chemistry, and good dialogue. The tension was being force fed to me, but the interactions were just too cringey and random to actually work.
Lucy is incredibly childish and unlikable (truly the meanest girl I’ve had the displeasure to read about this year). Grayson goes from hating her to liking her to hating her again, and all I can think is: Why would you like her? This girl is awful to you. The rest of the characters feel just as flat.
The idea was good, but it needed a better way to bring depth to the characters and to not force the romance.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: When I tell you I was immediately drawn in after reading the first chapter, I’m not exaggerating.
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
DNF 45%. The idea of rivals hexing and vexing each other was cute, but the way it all came together felt so disjointed and superficial. Whoever compared this book to A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping needs jail time. That book has heart. This just felt cringe.
The first chapter was so good and set up such a great start, but everything after that was a struggle to get through. If you’re going to give me the lowest of low stakes, I need the characters to pull me in completely. And yet, this is lacking in everything: well developed characters, chemistry, and good dialogue. The tension was being force fed to me, but the interactions were just too cringey and random to actually work.
Lucy is incredibly childish and unlikable (truly the meanest girl I’ve had the displeasure to read about this year). Grayson goes from hating her to liking her to hating her again, and all I can think is: Why would you like her? This girl is awful to you. The rest of the characters feel just as flat.
The idea was good, but it needed a better way to bring depth to the characters and to not force the romance.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: When I tell you I was immediately drawn in after reading the first chapter, I’m not exaggerating.
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 STARS!
Readers love bookstores, and we love reading about them too! This book has a fabulous start that pulls you into the story. Magical books and delightful found family are a definite highlight.
Then tragedy happens, and the grandson, Grayson, shows up to take charge; sparks fly… but sometimes not in a good way.
There are many plusses to this story, but there are also many irritations too. I did not like Lucy, the female lead, much of the time. She was rude and downright mean sometimes.
I get that is from feeling threatened in her job, and in her care for the owner, but there are some sparks of anger running through too. She did tend to get on my nerves often!
Grayson was condescending and rude at times, but was truly trying to help and get to know his Grandpa, too. The push and pull between them was a very slow burn, and we really didn’t see a consistent growth of feelings until deep into the second half.
The plot contains a whole lot of vexing and hexing, but it offered some entertaining and delightful parts. The romance is downplayed until the last part of the book, with a sprinkle of spice at the end.
For a witchy bookshop story, it has great bones and a detailed atmosphere. I just wish they were not adversaries throughout most of the story.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-vex-to-he...
Readers love bookstores, and we love reading about them too! This book has a fabulous start that pulls you into the story. Magical books and delightful found family are a definite highlight.
Then tragedy happens, and the grandson, Grayson, shows up to take charge; sparks fly… but sometimes not in a good way.
There are many plusses to this story, but there are also many irritations too. I did not like Lucy, the female lead, much of the time. She was rude and downright mean sometimes.
I get that is from feeling threatened in her job, and in her care for the owner, but there are some sparks of anger running through too. She did tend to get on my nerves often!
Grayson was condescending and rude at times, but was truly trying to help and get to know his Grandpa, too. The push and pull between them was a very slow burn, and we really didn’t see a consistent growth of feelings until deep into the second half.
The plot contains a whole lot of vexing and hexing, but it offered some entertaining and delightful parts. The romance is downplayed until the last part of the book, with a sprinkle of spice at the end.
For a witchy bookshop story, it has great bones and a detailed atmosphere. I just wish they were not adversaries throughout most of the story.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-vex-to-he...
June 29, 2026
🔮✨ To Vex & To Hex ✨ 🔮
Oh, I freaking adored this cozy witchy fantasy! 🧙💫
It was everything I wanted it to be and more.
The world building was simple but absolutely perfect. It was filled with magic, books, book lovers, romance, and so much whimsy. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea☕🍂
I loved watching Lucy and Grayson's relationship grow from prank wars to friendship and then into such a lovely romance💜
And the spice? Surprisingly good🔥 🔥 🔥
⭐️6 star read! One of my favorite books of the year.
What to Expect
🧙 Book Magic
🪄 Magical Bookshop
💚 Enemies to Lovers
✨ Cozy Romcom
🌶️ High Spice
🔮 Witchy Shenanigans
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: November 3, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Oh, I freaking adored this cozy witchy fantasy! 🧙💫
It was everything I wanted it to be and more.
The world building was simple but absolutely perfect. It was filled with magic, books, book lovers, romance, and so much whimsy. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea☕🍂
I loved watching Lucy and Grayson's relationship grow from prank wars to friendship and then into such a lovely romance💜
And the spice? Surprisingly good🔥 🔥 🔥
⭐️6 star read! One of my favorite books of the year.
What to Expect
🧙 Book Magic
🪄 Magical Bookshop
💚 Enemies to Lovers
✨ Cozy Romcom
🌶️ High Spice
🔮 Witchy Shenanigans
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: November 3, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars — Great Concept with Room to Grow
🩷 Quick Thoughts: To Vex and to Hex by Neena Noon has a fantastic foundation—mature main characters, a fun rivals-to-lovers dynamic, and a heartwarming grandfather figure. However, repetitive miscommunication and some pacing issues kept it from being a total favourite for me.
🔮 Tropes
* Rivals-to-Lovers
* Family Dynamics
* Forced Proximity
* Magic Users (Everyday Life Hacks)
* Grumpy x Sunshine (with a twist)
✨ What I Liked:
* The Concept & Romance Setup: I loved the core premise of the book and was immediately hooked by the rivals-to-lovers dynamic.
* Older Main Characters: It was incredibly refreshing to read about characters who are a bit older, particularly Greyson being a 30-year-old professor. We need more of this in the genre!
* Charles & Lucy: Charles was a standout character for me. The relationship between Lucy and Charles was genuinely heartwarming and felt like the emotional anchor of the book.
* The "Slutty Little Glasses": Greyson wearing glasses? Absolute perfection. (More on this below, because it deserves its own mention!)
🩶 What Didn’t Work:
* Unbalanced Relationships: While I adored Lucy’s bond with Charles, the story placed so much emphasis on it that it heavily outweighed the space given to Greyson building a relationship with his own grandfather.
* Character Maturity vs. Behaviour: Despite their ages, both main characters frequently lacked insight and empathy for one another. This unfortunately made some of Lucy’s behavior read as peevish, and made Greyson—a 30-year-old professor—come across as a bit juvenile.
* Repetitive Pacing & Miscommunication: The story lacked one or two major, driving events to focus the plot. Instead, the miscommunication trope was scattered throughout, meaning the characters would resolve an issue only to revert right back to it. This cycle ended up feeling repetitive and frustrating.
* Underutilised Magic: Aside from a few convenient life hacks, Lucy's magic just sort of existed in the background. It didn't really evolve or become a meaningful plot point.
* Redundant Subplots: While I appreciated Lucy addressing her own family dynamics, it felt unnecessary since it mirrored the issues and resolution of Greyson's family dynamic almost exactly, just in less detail.
* The Wardrobe Malfunction: I have to be honest—the phrase "slutty little waist" did not do it for me. Greyson has slutty little glasses. Don't fix what isn't broken! I’m Team Glasses all day long.
🩷 Quick Thoughts: To Vex and to Hex by Neena Noon has a fantastic foundation—mature main characters, a fun rivals-to-lovers dynamic, and a heartwarming grandfather figure. However, repetitive miscommunication and some pacing issues kept it from being a total favourite for me.
🔮 Tropes
* Rivals-to-Lovers
* Family Dynamics
* Forced Proximity
* Magic Users (Everyday Life Hacks)
* Grumpy x Sunshine (with a twist)
✨ What I Liked:
* The Concept & Romance Setup: I loved the core premise of the book and was immediately hooked by the rivals-to-lovers dynamic.
* Older Main Characters: It was incredibly refreshing to read about characters who are a bit older, particularly Greyson being a 30-year-old professor. We need more of this in the genre!
* Charles & Lucy: Charles was a standout character for me. The relationship between Lucy and Charles was genuinely heartwarming and felt like the emotional anchor of the book.
* The "Slutty Little Glasses": Greyson wearing glasses? Absolute perfection. (More on this below, because it deserves its own mention!)
🩶 What Didn’t Work:
* Unbalanced Relationships: While I adored Lucy’s bond with Charles, the story placed so much emphasis on it that it heavily outweighed the space given to Greyson building a relationship with his own grandfather.
* Character Maturity vs. Behaviour: Despite their ages, both main characters frequently lacked insight and empathy for one another. This unfortunately made some of Lucy’s behavior read as peevish, and made Greyson—a 30-year-old professor—come across as a bit juvenile.
* Repetitive Pacing & Miscommunication: The story lacked one or two major, driving events to focus the plot. Instead, the miscommunication trope was scattered throughout, meaning the characters would resolve an issue only to revert right back to it. This cycle ended up feeling repetitive and frustrating.
* Underutilised Magic: Aside from a few convenient life hacks, Lucy's magic just sort of existed in the background. It didn't really evolve or become a meaningful plot point.
* Redundant Subplots: While I appreciated Lucy addressing her own family dynamics, it felt unnecessary since it mirrored the issues and resolution of Greyson's family dynamic almost exactly, just in less detail.
* The Wardrobe Malfunction: I have to be honest—the phrase "slutty little waist" did not do it for me. Greyson has slutty little glasses. Don't fix what isn't broken! I’m Team Glasses all day long.
April 19, 2026
Thank you for the opportunity to read this sweet arc St. Martin’s Griffin! It truly is a cozy fantasy with lots of romance and spice. The magic is used as a beautiful love letter to readers and adds to the romance story line.
May 31, 2026
To Vex and to Hex brings a lot to the table. I’m just not sure it knows what to do with it.
To start, this is a cozy bookstore rivals-to-lovers romance. Grayson returns to his hometown after his grandfather, Charles, is injured. As Charles’s estranged relative, he steps in to help run the family bookstore, where he immediately clashes with Lucy, the store manager. During Grayson’s years away, Lucy has become as close to Charles as family, effectively filling the role of granddaughter. Both Lucy and Grayson are lonely, carrying their own abandonment issues, and both seem convinced a close bond with Charles will fix everything.
This story has ideas, and I appreciate that. It’s got small-town charm. It’s got rivals. It’s got romance. It’s got found family, grief, loneliness, and an intense love of books. There is a lot of who, what, and why. Unfortunately, that’s about where it stops. The book identifies its themes but rarely explores them. Every fear, insecurity, and motivation is clearly stated and then… just restated. Loneliness is the central theme, yet the story never seems interested in saying anything about it beyond “books help” and “love helps.”
The plot is almost entirely driven by miscommunication. Lucy and Grayson assume the worst of each other at every opportunity and cling to those assumptions with remarkable determination. They don’t really grow so much as stumble into information they didn’t have before. Without deeper reflection or meaningful character growth, the conflict quickly becomes repetitive and, frankly, childish. On top of that, the romance leans heavily on instant attraction. The author spends a lot of time convincing you these two want to have sex and considerably less time convincing you they should be dating. They hate each other, but their mutual horniness never takes a back seat long enough to build much of a foundation underneath it.
Also? There are witches. Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter. The magic never meaningfully shapes the story, the world, or the characters. There’s no exploration of any witch culture, no real tension surrounding magic, and no plot point that truly requires it. Most of the time it exists as a convenient solution to minor annoyances or to move scenes along.
Overall, this was a frustrating read. Not because it lacked ideas, but because it never dug beneath them. It felt less like a story exploring its themes and more like a collection of popular romance elements arranged into a plot. By the end, I was left wishing for more depth, more curiosity, and a lot less repetition.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book
To start, this is a cozy bookstore rivals-to-lovers romance. Grayson returns to his hometown after his grandfather, Charles, is injured. As Charles’s estranged relative, he steps in to help run the family bookstore, where he immediately clashes with Lucy, the store manager. During Grayson’s years away, Lucy has become as close to Charles as family, effectively filling the role of granddaughter. Both Lucy and Grayson are lonely, carrying their own abandonment issues, and both seem convinced a close bond with Charles will fix everything.
This story has ideas, and I appreciate that. It’s got small-town charm. It’s got rivals. It’s got romance. It’s got found family, grief, loneliness, and an intense love of books. There is a lot of who, what, and why. Unfortunately, that’s about where it stops. The book identifies its themes but rarely explores them. Every fear, insecurity, and motivation is clearly stated and then… just restated. Loneliness is the central theme, yet the story never seems interested in saying anything about it beyond “books help” and “love helps.”
The plot is almost entirely driven by miscommunication. Lucy and Grayson assume the worst of each other at every opportunity and cling to those assumptions with remarkable determination. They don’t really grow so much as stumble into information they didn’t have before. Without deeper reflection or meaningful character growth, the conflict quickly becomes repetitive and, frankly, childish. On top of that, the romance leans heavily on instant attraction. The author spends a lot of time convincing you these two want to have sex and considerably less time convincing you they should be dating. They hate each other, but their mutual horniness never takes a back seat long enough to build much of a foundation underneath it.
Also? There are witches. Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter. The magic never meaningfully shapes the story, the world, or the characters. There’s no exploration of any witch culture, no real tension surrounding magic, and no plot point that truly requires it. Most of the time it exists as a convenient solution to minor annoyances or to move scenes along.
Overall, this was a frustrating read. Not because it lacked ideas, but because it never dug beneath them. It felt less like a story exploring its themes and more like a collection of popular romance elements arranged into a plot. By the end, I was left wishing for more depth, more curiosity, and a lot less repetition.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book
September 18, 2026
3.5⭐️’s
To Vex & to Hex is a cozy and spicy fall read. In the small town of Little Brook, Lucy Ansari works at Crawley Bookstore where she uses her magical powers as a witch to match people with books. She loves her job just as much as she loves the store owner Charles, a surrogate grandfather to her. So when Charles falls and breaks his hip, Lucy assumes she will be the one to care for Charles and look after the store. But when the hospital contacts Charles’ estranged grandson in Ireland, he shows up with the intention of caring for his grandfather and his store. What ensues is a battle of wills to see who will give in first. But the flames of anger between the two quickly become flames of romance. This first novel by Neena Noon is about found family and working through past hurts. While emotional at times, there is plenty of spice! I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 ⭐️’s. My only critique is that the conclusion of the story was already a sweet moment that didn’t need a spicy moment. I felt that it cheapened the moment. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book and would read this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Neena Noon and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
To Vex & to Hex is a cozy and spicy fall read. In the small town of Little Brook, Lucy Ansari works at Crawley Bookstore where she uses her magical powers as a witch to match people with books. She loves her job just as much as she loves the store owner Charles, a surrogate grandfather to her. So when Charles falls and breaks his hip, Lucy assumes she will be the one to care for Charles and look after the store. But when the hospital contacts Charles’ estranged grandson in Ireland, he shows up with the intention of caring for his grandfather and his store. What ensues is a battle of wills to see who will give in first. But the flames of anger between the two quickly become flames of romance. This first novel by Neena Noon is about found family and working through past hurts. While emotional at times, there is plenty of spice! I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 ⭐️’s. My only critique is that the conclusion of the story was already a sweet moment that didn’t need a spicy moment. I felt that it cheapened the moment. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book and would read this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Neena Noon and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2026
Lucy a bookseller witch whose whole world is tied up in her beloved bookstore and its owner who feels more like family than her actual relatives. Then his grandson Grayson shows up out of nowhere annoying, attractive, and very much unwanted and Lucy is immediately suspicious of his intentions. She’s ready to hex him right out the door but he’s just as determined to stay and fix things with his grandfather. Then we have a lot of petty magic, bickering, with the opposites attract trope lol i love.the vibe is immaculate if you like enemies to lovers with a cozy bookstore setting. Lucy and Grayson’s dynamic is all sbanter and stubbornness but underneath that there’s a softer emotional layer about family, belonging, and letting people in. The magical elements feel fun and the romance definitely leans on the spicier side without losing that warm, small town feel.It’s one of those reads that’s easy to love .perfect if you want something witchy, and romantic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
A quirky FMC who prefers the company of books over people, a hot Scottish MMC, and enemies to lovers? I was hooked from the get go!
I related so much to the main character, and loved the depth you get behind both of them as the story unfolds. The angst that comes from the missed communication, and the eventual HEA were done really well.
A great fall romance, perfect for those who love a cozy book during those cool autumn months!
A quirky FMC who prefers the company of books over people, a hot Scottish MMC, and enemies to lovers? I was hooked from the get go!
I related so much to the main character, and loved the depth you get behind both of them as the story unfolds. The angst that comes from the missed communication, and the eventual HEA were done really well.
A great fall romance, perfect for those who love a cozy book during those cool autumn months!
May 30, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun read with a lot of potential! The main characters were cute and I enjoyed their enemies to lovers journey. However, the conflicts presented in the story were repetitive and surface-level. Miscommunication is probably one of my least favorite tropes (if you literally just talked to each other this wouldn’t be happening!!!) and I feel like there was a lot of that in this book. But ultimately I’m a sucker for a HEA. I appreciate NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
This was a fun read with a lot of potential! The main characters were cute and I enjoyed their enemies to lovers journey. However, the conflicts presented in the story were repetitive and surface-level. Miscommunication is probably one of my least favorite tropes (if you literally just talked to each other this wouldn’t be happening!!!) and I feel like there was a lot of that in this book. But ultimately I’m a sucker for a HEA. I appreciate NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
Read
August 5, 2026🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:
I think this would have been better on audio. It didn’t captivate me, threw me in such a slump that I just stared at it with a scowl.
It didn’t help that the MMC was one of the biggest assholes I’ve ever read. No redeemable qualities
I think this would have been better on audio. It didn’t captivate me, threw me in such a slump that I just stared at it with a scowl.
It didn’t help that the MMC was one of the biggest assholes I’ve ever read. No redeemable qualities
Review of advance copy
What a great debut by the author ! Loved reading about Lucy , Grayson and Charlie! Perfect fall read.
July 1, 2026
It was a cutie romance! Their family stories were intriguing and Lucy and Grayson’s will they-won’t they relationship had me smiling and enraptured through the whole book.
September 6, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC!
This one wasn’t for me, but I’m certain there’s an audience for it. The writing style is quick and modern, and the FMC’s separate personal arc is timely and coherent. And there are a lot of cute scenes between the MCs leading up to the end! I was just hoping for something different.
My biggest complaint is that the magic was completely pointless!! There’s no reason at all for our characters to have magic; it doesn’t affect the plot or the character relationships in any way that mundane reasons couldn’t easily replace. It explains why the bookshop owner had the funds to run a dubiously profitable business, and that’s the only justification for the premise I can think of. It introduces mild prejudice against witches into the otherwise unchanged world, even goes as far as to make the MMC prejudiced against witches, and then fails to work that into the plot resolution in any way at all. The magic didn’t matter. I was ready for a witchy book, and this just doesn’t deliver.
Beyond the worldbuilding, the romance is similarly disjointed. The book can’t decide if it wants Greyson to be the Christian Grey-esque daddy dom he is in the sexy scenes or the sensitive, wounded, desperate baby boy he is during the rest of the book. I honestly enjoyed his sopping-wet moments a lot more– one thing this book did give me was the realization that a simple enemies-to-lovers setup pales in comparison to the much more textured “she hates me so much and I just want her to want to be my friend so badly” setup. I would have preferred Sub Greyson to carry over to the smut; as it was, the sex scenes weren’t to my taste. A lot of times, the intensity of the smut felt at odds with the tone of the rest.
And the elephant in the room is that this book is the mother of all unrealistic miscommunication plotlines. It’s like five simple miscommunications stacked on top of each other and swapping out seasonal hats. There’s a much more streamlined plot somewhere in this book. It didn’t need to be nearly as long as it is; at the 50% mark, I was despondently wondering What More there could Possibly be to say about the premise. And that was because the book wastes so much time getting to the interesting parts! We get some semi-solid catharsis eventually, but it doesn’t make the lead-up worth it. (And to clarify, I’m not even talking primarily about the miscommunication resolution for the romantic relationship here. I’m talking about
But! There were cute moments. And Lucy was interesting– there’s one bit of color that really stuck with me about But overall, the book is polyfiber fluff that’ll be a good read if you’re looking for something easy, simple, and predictable with a light holiday theming.
This one wasn’t for me, but I’m certain there’s an audience for it. The writing style is quick and modern, and the FMC’s separate personal arc is timely and coherent. And there are a lot of cute scenes between the MCs leading up to the end! I was just hoping for something different.
My biggest complaint is that the magic was completely pointless!! There’s no reason at all for our characters to have magic; it doesn’t affect the plot or the character relationships in any way that mundane reasons couldn’t easily replace. It explains why the bookshop owner had the funds to run a dubiously profitable business, and that’s the only justification for the premise I can think of. It introduces mild prejudice against witches into the otherwise unchanged world, even goes as far as to make the MMC prejudiced against witches, and then fails to work that into the plot resolution in any way at all. The magic didn’t matter. I was ready for a witchy book, and this just doesn’t deliver.
Beyond the worldbuilding, the romance is similarly disjointed. The book can’t decide if it wants Greyson to be the Christian Grey-esque daddy dom he is in the sexy scenes or the sensitive, wounded, desperate baby boy he is during the rest of the book. I honestly enjoyed his sopping-wet moments a lot more– one thing this book did give me was the realization that a simple enemies-to-lovers setup pales in comparison to the much more textured “she hates me so much and I just want her to want to be my friend so badly” setup. I would have preferred Sub Greyson to carry over to the smut; as it was, the sex scenes weren’t to my taste. A lot of times, the intensity of the smut felt at odds with the tone of the rest.
And the elephant in the room is that this book is the mother of all unrealistic miscommunication plotlines. It’s like five simple miscommunications stacked on top of each other and swapping out seasonal hats. There’s a much more streamlined plot somewhere in this book. It didn’t need to be nearly as long as it is; at the 50% mark, I was despondently wondering What More there could Possibly be to say about the premise. And that was because the book wastes so much time getting to the interesting parts! We get some semi-solid catharsis eventually, but it doesn’t make the lead-up worth it. (And to clarify, I’m not even talking primarily about the miscommunication resolution for the romantic relationship here. I’m talking about
But! There were cute moments. And Lucy was interesting– there’s one bit of color that really stuck with me about But overall, the book is polyfiber fluff that’ll be a good read if you’re looking for something easy, simple, and predictable with a light holiday theming.
September 6, 2026
This is a fun book! And it's aimed at readers who love bookstores!
Lucy is the manager of Crawley Books on Long Island, NY. She inadvertently discovered that she loves books when she was very young. She was taken to this bookstore and it became her cozy place. Throughout her growing up years, she constantly went there. When she got her first job, it was part time and there.
Crawley Books is owned by Charles and Sophie. Lucy became very close with them through their mutual love of books. They were the grandparents Lucy never had. Her father's parents were dead and her mom's lived much too far away to visit more than every once in a while.
Her relationship with Charles and Sophie continued to deepen. They became family. When Sophie died, Lucy took care of Charles: made sure he was ok, helped him through his grief.
This was not his first loss. Sophie and Charles had one child. She grew up, got married, had one son. Then when their son was six, they were killed in a car accident. Grayson was brought to his grandparents' home and lived there for a year. Eventually, his father's brother took him to live in Ireland.
Lucy went to college and double majored--English and data analysis. Then Lucy got an office job in "the city" and hated it. When they had cut backs and she was let go, she was not unhappy to not go back, although she missed the nice money. She did not like the work, even though she was good at it.
So, Lucy moved home. Her mom is from Afghanistan and came to the USA for college. Her dad is very much a New Yorker. They met in university and haven't been apart since. They are constantly working and love it! Her parents are both neuroscientists.
Lucy began working again at Crawley Books but full time now. Her parents thought it was ok until she got a "real" job. But Lucy loved it. She eventually became the store manager.
Now, everything changed--Charles fell at home and broke his hip. When Lucy found out, she was horrified to discover that she was not his emergency contact; it was his grandson in Ireland. Charles had been able to call 911 and was taken to the hospital. He had surgery right away. But it would be a while before he would be recovered enough for his life to continue as usual.
In comes grandson, Grayson. There had been no communication directly between the two since Grayson was taken to Ireland. His grandparents thought that they'd be able to see him and get visits from him but each time they tried, his uncle stopped them. Grayson was put in boarding school. He did not develop much of a relationship with his uncle. And he thought his grandparents had sent him away because they didn't want him.
That set up the rest of the story. There is one more element that is good to know. There is magic in the world. Charles, Sophie, Lucy, and her parents all were witches. They used magic. Not in big showy ways. But they used it as they thought best.
As the manager of the bookstore, Lucy had discovered that she could use spells to help match customers with the books they needed when they came in. She told Grayson that books had their own magic but it wasn't always strong enough. So her spell applied to the customers and increased the book magic in the book(s) they needed. She had very happy customers who almost always found books to buy.
One morning, Lucy came into Crawley Books and was getting everything set up for opening when she was shocked to find someone else in the locked bookstore. She came out of the back room loaded up with books, bakery items, and her favorite cup with coffee. There he was. She dropped everything she was holding, including her coffee which went all over him and his shoes. That's Lucy's introduction to Grayson. (And he has no magical powers.)
Their relationship goes from bad to worse. Grayson informs her that she'll be working for him now and that doesn't sit well.
The two of them go to the hospital to see Charles. Visitors are family only. In a short time, Grayson tells the nurse that she is family and the two are told to go to room 313, which they do. She does thank him for including her.
When they get there, Lucy goes to Charles and it is very obvious that they have a close relationship. He talks with her and Lucy is animated and caring. She loves this man and he loves her. Grayson goes over by them but is very much a 3rd wheel.
Lucy finds out that the hospital called Grayson who is a professor in Ireland. He arranged for the last two weeks of his classes and the next semester to be a sabbatical. He wanted to come take care of his grandfather even though he really didn't know him any more.
The rest of this book is watching their relationships. It's fun, frustrating, sometimes I wanted to knock their heads together, mainly Lucy and Grayson, sometimes Charles, too! But they are characters I care about now. And I was very happy with how it all ended the story.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book to review!
Lucy is the manager of Crawley Books on Long Island, NY. She inadvertently discovered that she loves books when she was very young. She was taken to this bookstore and it became her cozy place. Throughout her growing up years, she constantly went there. When she got her first job, it was part time and there.
Crawley Books is owned by Charles and Sophie. Lucy became very close with them through their mutual love of books. They were the grandparents Lucy never had. Her father's parents were dead and her mom's lived much too far away to visit more than every once in a while.
Her relationship with Charles and Sophie continued to deepen. They became family. When Sophie died, Lucy took care of Charles: made sure he was ok, helped him through his grief.
This was not his first loss. Sophie and Charles had one child. She grew up, got married, had one son. Then when their son was six, they were killed in a car accident. Grayson was brought to his grandparents' home and lived there for a year. Eventually, his father's brother took him to live in Ireland.
Lucy went to college and double majored--English and data analysis. Then Lucy got an office job in "the city" and hated it. When they had cut backs and she was let go, she was not unhappy to not go back, although she missed the nice money. She did not like the work, even though she was good at it.
So, Lucy moved home. Her mom is from Afghanistan and came to the USA for college. Her dad is very much a New Yorker. They met in university and haven't been apart since. They are constantly working and love it! Her parents are both neuroscientists.
Lucy began working again at Crawley Books but full time now. Her parents thought it was ok until she got a "real" job. But Lucy loved it. She eventually became the store manager.
Now, everything changed--Charles fell at home and broke his hip. When Lucy found out, she was horrified to discover that she was not his emergency contact; it was his grandson in Ireland. Charles had been able to call 911 and was taken to the hospital. He had surgery right away. But it would be a while before he would be recovered enough for his life to continue as usual.
In comes grandson, Grayson. There had been no communication directly between the two since Grayson was taken to Ireland. His grandparents thought that they'd be able to see him and get visits from him but each time they tried, his uncle stopped them. Grayson was put in boarding school. He did not develop much of a relationship with his uncle. And he thought his grandparents had sent him away because they didn't want him.
That set up the rest of the story. There is one more element that is good to know. There is magic in the world. Charles, Sophie, Lucy, and her parents all were witches. They used magic. Not in big showy ways. But they used it as they thought best.
As the manager of the bookstore, Lucy had discovered that she could use spells to help match customers with the books they needed when they came in. She told Grayson that books had their own magic but it wasn't always strong enough. So her spell applied to the customers and increased the book magic in the book(s) they needed. She had very happy customers who almost always found books to buy.
One morning, Lucy came into Crawley Books and was getting everything set up for opening when she was shocked to find someone else in the locked bookstore. She came out of the back room loaded up with books, bakery items, and her favorite cup with coffee. There he was. She dropped everything she was holding, including her coffee which went all over him and his shoes. That's Lucy's introduction to Grayson. (And he has no magical powers.)
Their relationship goes from bad to worse. Grayson informs her that she'll be working for him now and that doesn't sit well.
The two of them go to the hospital to see Charles. Visitors are family only. In a short time, Grayson tells the nurse that she is family and the two are told to go to room 313, which they do. She does thank him for including her.
When they get there, Lucy goes to Charles and it is very obvious that they have a close relationship. He talks with her and Lucy is animated and caring. She loves this man and he loves her. Grayson goes over by them but is very much a 3rd wheel.
Lucy finds out that the hospital called Grayson who is a professor in Ireland. He arranged for the last two weeks of his classes and the next semester to be a sabbatical. He wanted to come take care of his grandfather even though he really didn't know him any more.
The rest of this book is watching their relationships. It's fun, frustrating, sometimes I wanted to knock their heads together, mainly Lucy and Grayson, sometimes Charles, too! But they are characters I care about now. And I was very happy with how it all ended the story.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book to review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grumpy x grumpy plus witches? YES, PLEASE!
This book is full of all the cozyness the fall months ask for. Or any season you want a cozy time.
Lucy works in a bookstore that’s more like home than her actual home. Much of the reason is Charles, the elderly bookkeeper and his late wife. Then Charles gets hurt and his non-magical, very stodgy, very estranged Professor grandson Grayson shows up.
Grayson immediately has a problem with literally everything, especially Lucy’s presence and even Charles. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder (it’s a boulder) and wants nothing to do with Lucy. He thinks his showing up means Lucy should go away. Because we get his POV (yay dual POV!) about his complicated feelings about his grandparents. If we didn’t have that he’d be a total douche but we get to understand him and the lifelong hurt he’s carried. Lucy has her own hurt for parents who provided well but have spent their entire lives wrapped up in one another and moderately interested in her.
Back to the love story! What we have are two hurt people actually hurting and throwing physical and emotional barbs at one another. Grayson’s are mostly verbal while Lucy uses her magic for mischief. She turns Grayson into a baby vomit target, makes sure his tea of lukewarm, and a few dozen other hex-y pranks. Which he deserves because he’s not nice to her.
But then the feelings start. I mean, they are always fairly obvious but it’s so fun to watch the will they, won’t they, they did, they did not, and they did again. Their relationship journey is as rocky as a shallow creek bed. They can’t get their feelings out of their heads and into words so they end up hurting each other. I couldn’t wait for them to “grow up” and get it together so they could just be IN LOVE. But I had so much fun seeing them fight and flirt and f— their way into a happily ever after.
I love the uniqueness of the magic system here. Lucy uses her magic to make other people feel better (and find their perfect books!). Charles uses it for joy but also for his everyday tasks. Yay to no personal gain (shout out to my Charmed OGs)! And Lucy’s parents use it for … science and being in love with each other more than they care for their child.
This is a cozy story of a couple individually working through their grief and refusing to let their inner demons dictate their future.
Thank you to St. Martin’s for this gifted copy.
This book is full of all the cozyness the fall months ask for. Or any season you want a cozy time.
Lucy works in a bookstore that’s more like home than her actual home. Much of the reason is Charles, the elderly bookkeeper and his late wife. Then Charles gets hurt and his non-magical, very stodgy, very estranged Professor grandson Grayson shows up.
Grayson immediately has a problem with literally everything, especially Lucy’s presence and even Charles. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder (it’s a boulder) and wants nothing to do with Lucy. He thinks his showing up means Lucy should go away. Because we get his POV (yay dual POV!) about his complicated feelings about his grandparents. If we didn’t have that he’d be a total douche but we get to understand him and the lifelong hurt he’s carried. Lucy has her own hurt for parents who provided well but have spent their entire lives wrapped up in one another and moderately interested in her.
Back to the love story! What we have are two hurt people actually hurting and throwing physical and emotional barbs at one another. Grayson’s are mostly verbal while Lucy uses her magic for mischief. She turns Grayson into a baby vomit target, makes sure his tea of lukewarm, and a few dozen other hex-y pranks. Which he deserves because he’s not nice to her.
But then the feelings start. I mean, they are always fairly obvious but it’s so fun to watch the will they, won’t they, they did, they did not, and they did again. Their relationship journey is as rocky as a shallow creek bed. They can’t get their feelings out of their heads and into words so they end up hurting each other. I couldn’t wait for them to “grow up” and get it together so they could just be IN LOVE. But I had so much fun seeing them fight and flirt and f— their way into a happily ever after.
I love the uniqueness of the magic system here. Lucy uses her magic to make other people feel better (and find their perfect books!). Charles uses it for joy but also for his everyday tasks. Yay to no personal gain (shout out to my Charmed OGs)! And Lucy’s parents use it for … science and being in love with each other more than they care for their child.
This is a cozy story of a couple individually working through their grief and refusing to let their inner demons dictate their future.
Thank you to St. Martin’s for this gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Neena Noon and Avon Books for an eARC of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved the concept of this book. Lucy is a witch working in a bookstore who uses her magic to help people find the perfect book. After the owner (Charles) injures himself, his grumpy grandson (Grayson) arrives to help out. The stakes are low and you know everyone will be making it to the end happy and alive.
While I think this book has a lot of potential, there were a few issues with the execution for me:
- There are instances of repetition and over explaining, which made the book feel it was aimed at a younger audience than intended.
- There are various examples of miscommunication, between Lucy and Grayson and also Grayson and Charles. Despite being my least favourite trope, I do think it can be done well but it felt overused in this book and I became increasingly frustrated at the character’s inability to have a conversation, especially when the MMC is 30 and the FMC is 24 (i.e. not children).
- My pet peeve in books is when main characters are unnecessarily critical about someone’s appearance and then face no consequences. For example, Lucy complains about her date (not the MMC) having thinning hair, stating “you can’t have everything”. It might feel minor but these sort of comments perpetuate the idea that someone’s appearance is fair game to criticise.
I couldn’t decide how much I liked Lucy and Grayson as characters. The hexes and vexes were funny but quickly descended into just being mean. They both acted immaturely despite their age, and while there were underlying reasons for their actions, I struggled to connect with them at times. Through the two POVs, we got to learn more about each of them, their relationships with others and the reasons for the grief/pain/bitterness they carried, which was welcome. It somewhat explained their behaviour (although not entirely).
The book is pretty spicy, especially the second half. However, I wanted to see a deeper emotional connection between the two. It’s a cosy fantasy so I don’t need hundreds of pages of dialogue, but even a few more conversations between the two would have made their connection seem more realistic
Overall, if you want a whimsical read with low stakes and a decent amount of spice, this could be the right book for you but it didn’t quite work for me.
My fave tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine (although she’s grumpy to him)
- A conveniently timed snow storm
- Found family
I loved the concept of this book. Lucy is a witch working in a bookstore who uses her magic to help people find the perfect book. After the owner (Charles) injures himself, his grumpy grandson (Grayson) arrives to help out. The stakes are low and you know everyone will be making it to the end happy and alive.
While I think this book has a lot of potential, there were a few issues with the execution for me:
- There are instances of repetition and over explaining, which made the book feel it was aimed at a younger audience than intended.
- There are various examples of miscommunication, between Lucy and Grayson and also Grayson and Charles. Despite being my least favourite trope, I do think it can be done well but it felt overused in this book and I became increasingly frustrated at the character’s inability to have a conversation, especially when the MMC is 30 and the FMC is 24 (i.e. not children).
- My pet peeve in books is when main characters are unnecessarily critical about someone’s appearance and then face no consequences. For example, Lucy complains about her date (not the MMC) having thinning hair, stating “you can’t have everything”. It might feel minor but these sort of comments perpetuate the idea that someone’s appearance is fair game to criticise.
I couldn’t decide how much I liked Lucy and Grayson as characters. The hexes and vexes were funny but quickly descended into just being mean. They both acted immaturely despite their age, and while there were underlying reasons for their actions, I struggled to connect with them at times. Through the two POVs, we got to learn more about each of them, their relationships with others and the reasons for the grief/pain/bitterness they carried, which was welcome. It somewhat explained their behaviour (although not entirely).
The book is pretty spicy, especially the second half. However, I wanted to see a deeper emotional connection between the two. It’s a cosy fantasy so I don’t need hundreds of pages of dialogue, but even a few more conversations between the two would have made their connection seem more realistic
Overall, if you want a whimsical read with low stakes and a decent amount of spice, this could be the right book for you but it didn’t quite work for me.
My fave tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine (although she’s grumpy to him)
- A conveniently timed snow storm
- Found family
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an ARC review received through NetGalley.
This is a cozy, modern, small town, romance with a dash of fun magic that plays an important part in the story. The main character’s use of the magic touched my heart as a reader and an empath.
The writing is straightforward, engaging, and easy on the mind. I think this book would be particularly good for a reader who needs a quick, fun mood boost without having /too/ much dramatic stress. I think it’d be good to read on a sick day, a sad day, a long travel day, or after a hard week. I would recommend this to or buy for a friend who likes their enemies to lovers romance with a dash of magic.
I think if you liked Legends and Lattes but could’ve done with even less drama or Assistant to the Villain but done with less worldbuilding or if you liked Fae Flings and Corset Strings at all, I think you’d like this book. It’s a fast, cute, cheeky read and a solid 5 star read in the cozy, smutty, magical romance category.
The main characters are entertaining. The FMC knows what she wants, is smart, determined, and all around someone I’d want to be friends with. The MMC is a tortured professor type with a devious streak. There are some communication issues that cause drama/dramatic tension, but this book takes a really lovely moment to actually spell it out for us – in the characters’ realization of it - that clear, direct communication is important and we ought not to assume that the people who love us know what we want or need or what has hurt us or what we are sitting with. It is best to share – and to ask – rather than assume and let fester. This hit a note for me, as I think as much as I can be critical of characters for not communicating, I have found myself thinking like these characters do, thinking that if I wasn’t asked, I wasn’t wanted.
I like the themes about choosing what we want and what makes us happy over pleasing others, and that the main character does this for herself.
The side characters are delightful and developed enough to contribute to the story.
The banter is funny. The smut is smutty. I laughed at the phrase “slutty little waist”. There were plenty of other parts that I cackled aloud about, especially the vexing and hexing.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for approving this ARC! It delivers what it promises.
When does Bia get a book?
This is a cozy, modern, small town, romance with a dash of fun magic that plays an important part in the story. The main character’s use of the magic touched my heart as a reader and an empath.
The writing is straightforward, engaging, and easy on the mind. I think this book would be particularly good for a reader who needs a quick, fun mood boost without having /too/ much dramatic stress. I think it’d be good to read on a sick day, a sad day, a long travel day, or after a hard week. I would recommend this to or buy for a friend who likes their enemies to lovers romance with a dash of magic.
I think if you liked Legends and Lattes but could’ve done with even less drama or Assistant to the Villain but done with less worldbuilding or if you liked Fae Flings and Corset Strings at all, I think you’d like this book. It’s a fast, cute, cheeky read and a solid 5 star read in the cozy, smutty, magical romance category.
The main characters are entertaining. The FMC knows what she wants, is smart, determined, and all around someone I’d want to be friends with. The MMC is a tortured professor type with a devious streak. There are some communication issues that cause drama/dramatic tension, but this book takes a really lovely moment to actually spell it out for us – in the characters’ realization of it - that clear, direct communication is important and we ought not to assume that the people who love us know what we want or need or what has hurt us or what we are sitting with. It is best to share – and to ask – rather than assume and let fester. This hit a note for me, as I think as much as I can be critical of characters for not communicating, I have found myself thinking like these characters do, thinking that if I wasn’t asked, I wasn’t wanted.
I like the themes about choosing what we want and what makes us happy over pleasing others, and that the main character does this for herself.
The side characters are delightful and developed enough to contribute to the story.
The banter is funny. The smut is smutty. I laughed at the phrase “slutty little waist”. There were plenty of other parts that I cackled aloud about, especially the vexing and hexing.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for approving this ARC! It delivers what it promises.
When does Bia get a book?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
***Minor-ish spoilers***
This book is the epitome of the miscommunication trope in the BEST way. Because Neena doesn't do the miscommunication trope for the sake of it or as a random cog to try and push the plot forward. The miscommunication ends up being where the yearning (from both sides) lives. And if you love a good, slow burn yearn, this is the book for you.
Lucy and Grayson (our lovely MCs) are just two people who desperately want to seen. Understood. Loved. And at first glance, seem to be polar opposites. Lucy works at Grayson's estranged grandfather's bookshop and has used her magic and very own charm to turn into to quaint, cozy (read: disheveled, unorganized and too whimsical for Grayson's proper Irish taste).
Lucy is a witch. And so is Charles, Grayson's grandfather. And they get along like grandfather and granddaughter, leaving Grayson, a mere human, already feeling on the outs when he comes to town to help out Charles after a small accident puts him in the hospital. In Lucy's eyes, Grayson is Satan incarnate, never once having visited Charles over the years and now suddenly showing up. She's convinced he's come to take her precious bookstore from her in the name of...well being under his family's name.
Magical, and non, hijinks ensue as Lucy tries her best to drive Grayson out of their little town and Grayson, while he matches her step for step, he's wondering why on earth this fiery, beautiful, woman hates him so much and wants him gone. This definitely gives you an enemies to lovers vibe. He just wants to bond with the only family he has left, but she doesn't believe it one bit.
Hijinks slip into a semi-friendship/truce then to sexual tension, which oozes delicately slow like honey between chapters, the build-up catching on one peak where we think all is good, and miscommunication runs us back down the slope to enemy-ish territory before the delicate ascent upwards again.
At it's core, I think 'To Vex and to Hex' is a story about the relationships we know might break us, but we have to be brave enough to try any way. The found family in this book was so well done. The miscommunication that is left in the words unsaid between Lucy, Grayson and even Charles throughout the book really showcases how the fear of being seen can ruin a good thing even before it starts.
I realize this review might be a little rambly, maybe even slightly vague. But it was hard for me to put words to the emotions I felt reading this one, especially the last half of the book. (Tears may have made an appearance)
Add this to your TBR come November, friends. You won't regret it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Neena Noon for this absolutely smashing ARC!
This book is the epitome of the miscommunication trope in the BEST way. Because Neena doesn't do the miscommunication trope for the sake of it or as a random cog to try and push the plot forward. The miscommunication ends up being where the yearning (from both sides) lives. And if you love a good, slow burn yearn, this is the book for you.
Lucy and Grayson (our lovely MCs) are just two people who desperately want to seen. Understood. Loved. And at first glance, seem to be polar opposites. Lucy works at Grayson's estranged grandfather's bookshop and has used her magic and very own charm to turn into to quaint, cozy (read: disheveled, unorganized and too whimsical for Grayson's proper Irish taste).
Lucy is a witch. And so is Charles, Grayson's grandfather. And they get along like grandfather and granddaughter, leaving Grayson, a mere human, already feeling on the outs when he comes to town to help out Charles after a small accident puts him in the hospital. In Lucy's eyes, Grayson is Satan incarnate, never once having visited Charles over the years and now suddenly showing up. She's convinced he's come to take her precious bookstore from her in the name of...well being under his family's name.
Magical, and non, hijinks ensue as Lucy tries her best to drive Grayson out of their little town and Grayson, while he matches her step for step, he's wondering why on earth this fiery, beautiful, woman hates him so much and wants him gone. This definitely gives you an enemies to lovers vibe. He just wants to bond with the only family he has left, but she doesn't believe it one bit.
Hijinks slip into a semi-friendship/truce then to sexual tension, which oozes delicately slow like honey between chapters, the build-up catching on one peak where we think all is good, and miscommunication runs us back down the slope to enemy-ish territory before the delicate ascent upwards again.
At it's core, I think 'To Vex and to Hex' is a story about the relationships we know might break us, but we have to be brave enough to try any way. The found family in this book was so well done. The miscommunication that is left in the words unsaid between Lucy, Grayson and even Charles throughout the book really showcases how the fear of being seen can ruin a good thing even before it starts.
I realize this review might be a little rambly, maybe even slightly vague. But it was hard for me to put words to the emotions I felt reading this one, especially the last half of the book. (Tears may have made an appearance)
Add this to your TBR come November, friends. You won't regret it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Neena Noon for this absolutely smashing ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5⭐ Cozy, Witchy, Spicy Fun
To Vex & To Hex is exactly what it promises to be: a cozy fantasy romance packed with bookstore charm, magical mischief, and plenty of spice. If The Pumpkin Spice Café and A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping had a witchy bookstore baby, this would be it.
Lucy is a bookseller witch whose life revolves around the bookstore she loves and its owner, Charles, who feels more like family than her own parents. When Charles is injured, his estranged grandson Grayson arrives unexpectedly and immediately disrupts Lucy's carefully ordered world. He's grumpy, stubborn, frustratingly attractive, and convinced he knows what's best for his grandfather. Lucy is equally determined not to let him interfere, leading to a delightful battle of wills filled with petty hexes, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic shines here. Lucy and Grayson are both carrying emotional wounds, and their constant bickering masks deeper struggles with family, grief, belonging, and vulnerability. Their journey from antagonists to lovers is messy, frustrating, and incredibly entertaining. The dual POV was especially effective because it allowed me to understand Grayson's complicated relationship with his grandparents; without it, he might have come across as simply unlikeable.
One of my favorite aspects was the magic system. Rather than being used for grand adventures, magic is woven into everyday life and acts as a love letter to books, readers, and human connection. Lucy's ability to help people find the perfect book felt especially charming. The magical pranks she uses against Grayson add humor and lightheartedness while perfectly complementing their growing attraction.
The romance definitely leans spicy, but it never loses the warmth and coziness that make the story so inviting. Watching these two stubborn characters fight, flirt, stumble, and eventually open their hearts was both funny and heartfelt.
With a cozy bookstore setting, grumpy x grumpy romance, witches, family drama, magical hijinks, and plenty of steam, To Vex & To Hex is an easy recommendation for readers looking for a comforting yet spicy autumn read.
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the gifted ARC.
To Vex & To Hex is exactly what it promises to be: a cozy fantasy romance packed with bookstore charm, magical mischief, and plenty of spice. If The Pumpkin Spice Café and A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping had a witchy bookstore baby, this would be it.
Lucy is a bookseller witch whose life revolves around the bookstore she loves and its owner, Charles, who feels more like family than her own parents. When Charles is injured, his estranged grandson Grayson arrives unexpectedly and immediately disrupts Lucy's carefully ordered world. He's grumpy, stubborn, frustratingly attractive, and convinced he knows what's best for his grandfather. Lucy is equally determined not to let him interfere, leading to a delightful battle of wills filled with petty hexes, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic shines here. Lucy and Grayson are both carrying emotional wounds, and their constant bickering masks deeper struggles with family, grief, belonging, and vulnerability. Their journey from antagonists to lovers is messy, frustrating, and incredibly entertaining. The dual POV was especially effective because it allowed me to understand Grayson's complicated relationship with his grandparents; without it, he might have come across as simply unlikeable.
One of my favorite aspects was the magic system. Rather than being used for grand adventures, magic is woven into everyday life and acts as a love letter to books, readers, and human connection. Lucy's ability to help people find the perfect book felt especially charming. The magical pranks she uses against Grayson add humor and lightheartedness while perfectly complementing their growing attraction.
The romance definitely leans spicy, but it never loses the warmth and coziness that make the story so inviting. Watching these two stubborn characters fight, flirt, stumble, and eventually open their hearts was both funny and heartfelt.
With a cozy bookstore setting, grumpy x grumpy romance, witches, family drama, magical hijinks, and plenty of steam, To Vex & To Hex is an easy recommendation for readers looking for a comforting yet spicy autumn read.
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the gifted ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dear Reader,
I read some advice once that said you should write the book you most want to read, and To Vex and to Hex is exactly that. It’s infused with so many of my favorite things: romance, magic, banter, a small town, and plenty of spice, all set against the backdrop of a bookstore-cafe that I sorely, sorely wish was real. But it’s also about two people who are terribly lonely and lost, not realizing the very thing they’ve been searching for is each other.
Some books are difficult to write—you have to wrestle with the plot, squeeze out the emotions, push the characters—but writing To Vex and to Hex was pure joy. Every chapter is full of elements that I adore, whether it’s sparks flying between a grumpy professor and a sunshine bookseller; the particular magic our main character, Lucy, has which helps her to connect readers with their next favorite story; the cozy and slightly chaotic bookstore, filled with freshly baked goods and flavorful coffees; the small town with a variety of characters; or the plentiful romance tropes used, from jealousy to being-stuck-together-in-a-storm to only-one-bed. Writing this book has been its own kind of magic: a welcome escape from life’s worries.
I’ve always been an avid reader, and one of my favorite things about reading has been losing myself to a book: forgetting time and place as I’m transported into the story. As I read, I forget about all the things upsetting me and am instead enraptured by the journey the characters are on. With them, I laugh, I cry—I experience all the emotions. There’s nothing better than the pure full-hearted feeling of finishing a good book: both wishing it wasn’t over while being satisfied by the conclusion and happy ending.
As a writer, my aim is to recreate that feeling for my readers. I know what it is to be lonely and afraid and sad; all I hope is that, with this story, those feelings can go away for a little while, or at least become a little bit more bearable. I hope my cozy, witchy rom-com is as enjoyable for you to read as it was for me to write it.
With love and light,
Neena Noon
I read some advice once that said you should write the book you most want to read, and To Vex and to Hex is exactly that. It’s infused with so many of my favorite things: romance, magic, banter, a small town, and plenty of spice, all set against the backdrop of a bookstore-cafe that I sorely, sorely wish was real. But it’s also about two people who are terribly lonely and lost, not realizing the very thing they’ve been searching for is each other.
Some books are difficult to write—you have to wrestle with the plot, squeeze out the emotions, push the characters—but writing To Vex and to Hex was pure joy. Every chapter is full of elements that I adore, whether it’s sparks flying between a grumpy professor and a sunshine bookseller; the particular magic our main character, Lucy, has which helps her to connect readers with their next favorite story; the cozy and slightly chaotic bookstore, filled with freshly baked goods and flavorful coffees; the small town with a variety of characters; or the plentiful romance tropes used, from jealousy to being-stuck-together-in-a-storm to only-one-bed. Writing this book has been its own kind of magic: a welcome escape from life’s worries.
I’ve always been an avid reader, and one of my favorite things about reading has been losing myself to a book: forgetting time and place as I’m transported into the story. As I read, I forget about all the things upsetting me and am instead enraptured by the journey the characters are on. With them, I laugh, I cry—I experience all the emotions. There’s nothing better than the pure full-hearted feeling of finishing a good book: both wishing it wasn’t over while being satisfied by the conclusion and happy ending.
As a writer, my aim is to recreate that feeling for my readers. I know what it is to be lonely and afraid and sad; all I hope is that, with this story, those feelings can go away for a little while, or at least become a little bit more bearable. I hope my cozy, witchy rom-com is as enjoyable for you to read as it was for me to write it.
With love and light,
Neena Noon
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1.5⭐️ - 1🌶
☆ Cozy fantasy
☆ Rivals to lovers
☆ Grumpy x Sunshine
☆ Small town
☆ Forced proximity
NetGalley ARC review
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Neena Noon for the free copy.
This story follows 3 main characters, Charles, the grandfather who has surgery and needs his grandson, the MMC, Grayson, to come take care of him and Lucy, the FMC, who has been in Charles' life since she was a teen and who manages his bookstore. Oh and Charles and Lucy are witches.
I'm gonna start by prefacing that I am a big fan of cozy fantasy romance. And book magic? Please. This should have been an absolute slam dunk. Except... it wasn't. Lucy was insufferable. I am not sure I ever detested a character as much. She was mean and vindictive, to the point where it was starting to feel like a bully romance. She was petty and entitled, completely unlikeable. Her magic was cute, but we only ever see her use it once? Why not explore more of that?
Then there's Charles. I have a very soft spot for elderly characters and they always pull at my heartstrings, but I was disappointed by this one. He wanted a relationship with his grandson, but what kind of effort did he put in while he was here? The miscommunication was hard to read between these three. Charles/Lucy spent a lot of time staying in their little bubble, excluding Grayson completely.
Finallly, the romance... gosh. At first, it was promising, pranks and little inconsequential things done to each other. Him glowering a lot, her being sunshiney, the usual in a grumpy x sunshine trope, but there was no flow. Every bit of spice felt forced, as if it was needed to fill some space or force the relationship along. There were some cute moments, but nothing extraordinary.
The only reason I did not DNF was because this was an ARC and I wanted to leave a review of the full book in case my opinion changed along the way. I always try to find redeeming qualities even for the books that I didn't like and clearly were not for me, but I struggle to find any here. Grayson is probably the one redeeming quality and he deserved better.
☆ Cozy fantasy
☆ Rivals to lovers
☆ Grumpy x Sunshine
☆ Small town
☆ Forced proximity
NetGalley ARC review
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Neena Noon for the free copy.
This story follows 3 main characters, Charles, the grandfather who has surgery and needs his grandson, the MMC, Grayson, to come take care of him and Lucy, the FMC, who has been in Charles' life since she was a teen and who manages his bookstore. Oh and Charles and Lucy are witches.
I'm gonna start by prefacing that I am a big fan of cozy fantasy romance. And book magic? Please. This should have been an absolute slam dunk. Except... it wasn't. Lucy was insufferable. I am not sure I ever detested a character as much. She was mean and vindictive, to the point where it was starting to feel like a bully romance. She was petty and entitled, completely unlikeable. Her magic was cute, but we only ever see her use it once? Why not explore more of that?
Then there's Charles. I have a very soft spot for elderly characters and they always pull at my heartstrings, but I was disappointed by this one. He wanted a relationship with his grandson, but what kind of effort did he put in while he was here? The miscommunication was hard to read between these three. Charles/Lucy spent a lot of time staying in their little bubble, excluding Grayson completely.
Finallly, the romance... gosh. At first, it was promising, pranks and little inconsequential things done to each other. Him glowering a lot, her being sunshiney, the usual in a grumpy x sunshine trope, but there was no flow. Every bit of spice felt forced, as if it was needed to fill some space or force the relationship along. There were some cute moments, but nothing extraordinary.
The only reason I did not DNF was because this was an ARC and I wanted to leave a review of the full book in case my opinion changed along the way. I always try to find redeeming qualities even for the books that I didn't like and clearly were not for me, but I struggle to find any here. Grayson is probably the one redeeming quality and he deserved better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Man, I think I messed up with this one. I started reading To Vex & To Hex in the midst of a horrible book slump. I do feel like I gave it a fair shot, but I was just never able to buy into this story.
I can definitely get down with a rivals-to-lovers trope, but I am not 100% sold on the rivals-to-lovers set up in this book. At the start, Grayson comes to town to take care of his estranged grandfather, a quaint bookshop owner, and hopefully rebuild some kind of warm relationship with him. Upon meeting the manager of the bookshop Lucy, Grayson quickly decides she is Public Enemy #1 and has got to go. If Grayson wanted to rehabilitate a relationship with his grandfather, wouldn’t it make more sense to befriend his grandfather’s favorite employee? Why go the antagonizing route instead of trying to woo her? Grayson is apparently very lonely in life. He finds Lucy attractive. Why take such a hard, mean-spirited path when you have several reasons to be kind to someone else who also happens to be really lonely? Again, maybe I am being overly critical. I just did not find myself wanting to buy what this author was selling.
Unfortunately, both Lucy and Grayson read kind of childish to me. Their shenanigans just didn’t hit. Their pranks/attacks on each other felt a little petty, not clever or witty. Making a baby so dizzy it spits up all over your rival and refusing to help clean him up? Taking down all the decorations in the book shop? I don’t know. Even some situational choices started to get to me. Like, setting up a whole daybed in the bookshop so the owner could rest on it after his hip replacement? What kind of store has room for that? Apparently, the book gets pretty spicy later on. I have trouble imagining how that spice would fit in with the general tone of silliness the first part of this book has going for it.
Golly, I know this is a big pile of negativity. I will say that as far as magic systems go, I like that this one seems to be very low stakes! The sweet little acts of magic seem to fit the cozy, quirky tone of the book well. I also liked seeing what Lucy was baking for the shop! That was fun.
Even though this book wasn’t for me, I am sure there are some out there who will enjoy it. Think silly feuds that burst into spicy daydreams and heated moments. Bookstores that sell drinks, baked goods, flowers, have candles and fairy lights… Two people who are actually just alike but are too caught up in their stubbornness to see it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I can definitely get down with a rivals-to-lovers trope, but I am not 100% sold on the rivals-to-lovers set up in this book. At the start, Grayson comes to town to take care of his estranged grandfather, a quaint bookshop owner, and hopefully rebuild some kind of warm relationship with him. Upon meeting the manager of the bookshop Lucy, Grayson quickly decides she is Public Enemy #1 and has got to go. If Grayson wanted to rehabilitate a relationship with his grandfather, wouldn’t it make more sense to befriend his grandfather’s favorite employee? Why go the antagonizing route instead of trying to woo her? Grayson is apparently very lonely in life. He finds Lucy attractive. Why take such a hard, mean-spirited path when you have several reasons to be kind to someone else who also happens to be really lonely? Again, maybe I am being overly critical. I just did not find myself wanting to buy what this author was selling.
Unfortunately, both Lucy and Grayson read kind of childish to me. Their shenanigans just didn’t hit. Their pranks/attacks on each other felt a little petty, not clever or witty. Making a baby so dizzy it spits up all over your rival and refusing to help clean him up? Taking down all the decorations in the book shop? I don’t know. Even some situational choices started to get to me. Like, setting up a whole daybed in the bookshop so the owner could rest on it after his hip replacement? What kind of store has room for that? Apparently, the book gets pretty spicy later on. I have trouble imagining how that spice would fit in with the general tone of silliness the first part of this book has going for it.
Golly, I know this is a big pile of negativity. I will say that as far as magic systems go, I like that this one seems to be very low stakes! The sweet little acts of magic seem to fit the cozy, quirky tone of the book well. I also liked seeing what Lucy was baking for the shop! That was fun.
Even though this book wasn’t for me, I am sure there are some out there who will enjoy it. Think silly feuds that burst into spicy daydreams and heated moments. Bookstores that sell drinks, baked goods, flowers, have candles and fairy lights… Two people who are actually just alike but are too caught up in their stubbornness to see it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Neena Noon’s To Vex and to Hex is a dual point of view witchy romance following Lucy, a bookstore manager, and Grayson, the owner’s estranged grandson. When Charles is injured in a fall, Grayson comes to help with the bookstore and reconnect with his maternal family, but he and Lucy begin butting heads immediately. The tension grows as they do a will-they-won’t-they romance.
Do you know how a six year old will throw erasers at a little girl in order to get her attention? That’s Grayson’s style of flirting, and I have to tell you it didn’t work for me. From like the second chapter he’s determined to get her out of the bookstore, as if he’s the villain in a Hallmark movie. Both of these characters have trauma and should see a therapist before entering into a relationship. Both characters have abandonment issues, which means that they break up like three different times during the book. It doesn’t bode well for their ability to commit long-term, as I don’t see them growing as people throughout the story.
The book does a great job with the bookstore vibes; the space is cozy and magical, with a warmth that covers the story. Lucy’s magic is book-centered, which is a nice touch, but she doesn’t get to use it near enough through the story.
The story happens over too long a period of time. I think the story would have been better if it had been contained to a single season and could embrace the specific charms of the setting; for example, staying in fall and embracing chunky sweaters, pumpkin spice and hot lattes. Instead, the story spans from early November to early June, which makes the setting feel inconsistent.
This premise was so cute, and I had a lot of buy-in from the beginning. But Grayson’s characterization was difficult, as was the relationship as a whole, and I was tired of them breaking up and then having aggressive sex to make up. It felt like their relationship was all sex and no love, which made them hard to root for or believe in.
Thank you to Neena Noon, St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
Do you know how a six year old will throw erasers at a little girl in order to get her attention? That’s Grayson’s style of flirting, and I have to tell you it didn’t work for me. From like the second chapter he’s determined to get her out of the bookstore, as if he’s the villain in a Hallmark movie. Both of these characters have trauma and should see a therapist before entering into a relationship. Both characters have abandonment issues, which means that they break up like three different times during the book. It doesn’t bode well for their ability to commit long-term, as I don’t see them growing as people throughout the story.
The book does a great job with the bookstore vibes; the space is cozy and magical, with a warmth that covers the story. Lucy’s magic is book-centered, which is a nice touch, but she doesn’t get to use it near enough through the story.
The story happens over too long a period of time. I think the story would have been better if it had been contained to a single season and could embrace the specific charms of the setting; for example, staying in fall and embracing chunky sweaters, pumpkin spice and hot lattes. Instead, the story spans from early November to early June, which makes the setting feel inconsistent.
This premise was so cute, and I had a lot of buy-in from the beginning. But Grayson’s characterization was difficult, as was the relationship as a whole, and I was tired of them breaking up and then having aggressive sex to make up. It felt like their relationship was all sex and no love, which made them hard to root for or believe in.
Thank you to Neena Noon, St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: To Vex and Hex by Neena Noon
This book had all the ingredients to be a fun win for me: witty banter, magical chaos, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a British MMC who at times gave off very specific nerdy-adventurer energy. And to be fair, the banter is the strongest part of the whole package. The dialogue is sharp, playful, and often more convincing than the romance itself. There were several moments where I thought the book was about to fully click into place.
Unfortunately, the character work never quite gets there. The MMC is given a tragic orphan backstory and an emotionally distant persona, but instead of reading layered or guarded, he often just comes off cold (this is even mentioned by the FMC). The FMC is similarly uneven, confident and decisive when the plot needs her to be, then strangely passive or underdeveloped when it does not. Rather than feeling like two complicated people, they often feel like two trope containers being rotated into position scene by scene.
The romance also suffers from wanting to do everything at once. Sunshine and storm cloud, enemies-to-lovers, intense longing, dramatic misunderstandings, bold sexual confidence, fade-to-black restraint, explicit scenes, grand declarations, this book tries every lane available and somehow commits to none of them. After a truly impressive amount of teasing, some payoff moments land with all the grace of a last minute script rewrite.
That said, it is readable, occasionally funny, and the banter does a lot of heavy lifting. If you enjoy magical rom-com energy and do not need airtight characterization or emotional logic, there is still entertainment to be found here. For me, it felt like a book with several appealing ideas that never fully learned how to coexist, but at least everyone gets their happily ever after and some suspiciously well-timed orgasms.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ATC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book had all the ingredients to be a fun win for me: witty banter, magical chaos, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a British MMC who at times gave off very specific nerdy-adventurer energy. And to be fair, the banter is the strongest part of the whole package. The dialogue is sharp, playful, and often more convincing than the romance itself. There were several moments where I thought the book was about to fully click into place.
Unfortunately, the character work never quite gets there. The MMC is given a tragic orphan backstory and an emotionally distant persona, but instead of reading layered or guarded, he often just comes off cold (this is even mentioned by the FMC). The FMC is similarly uneven, confident and decisive when the plot needs her to be, then strangely passive or underdeveloped when it does not. Rather than feeling like two complicated people, they often feel like two trope containers being rotated into position scene by scene.
The romance also suffers from wanting to do everything at once. Sunshine and storm cloud, enemies-to-lovers, intense longing, dramatic misunderstandings, bold sexual confidence, fade-to-black restraint, explicit scenes, grand declarations, this book tries every lane available and somehow commits to none of them. After a truly impressive amount of teasing, some payoff moments land with all the grace of a last minute script rewrite.
That said, it is readable, occasionally funny, and the banter does a lot of heavy lifting. If you enjoy magical rom-com energy and do not need airtight characterization or emotional logic, there is still entertainment to be found here. For me, it felt like a book with several appealing ideas that never fully learned how to coexist, but at least everyone gets their happily ever after and some suspiciously well-timed orgasms.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ATC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To Vex and To Hex is the epitome of cozy romantasy with low stakes.
The book excels in its warm, witchy bookshop setting and delivers a comfort-driven reading experience with a nice build of romantic tension. The dynamic between Lucy and Grayson is engaging, and the forced proximity/enemies-to-lovers arc works super well! Who cares if it’s cliche? The trope is popular for a reason. 😘
I did occasionally find the pacing/transitions a bit uneven, with a few scenes feeling slightly abrupt in how they were introduced/resolved. This didn’t take me out of the story completely, but it did affect the overall flow at times.
The miscommunication trope is quite prominent (particularly in the later parts of the book). I did appreciate that Grayson’s communication struggles are eventually given context, which added depth to his character… but if he was self-actualized enough to understand how his trauma would affect his communication skills, I would assume he’d be able to communicate that weakness of his. Maybe that’s just the miscommunication-trope-hater in me coming out, though.
One of the standout elements for me was the cozy small-business bookshop atmosphere and the concept of Lucy’s intuitive “book magic,” which adds a unique and charming layer to the story. I also really enjoyed the warmth of Lucy’s grandfather/granddaughter-esque connection with Charles. Every interaction between them warmed my heart.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy, low-stakes romantasy, strong atmosphere, and slow-burn, character-driven romance. It’s a comforting read that prioritizes vibe/chemistry over complex plotting or high-stakes conflict.
Despite my fairly "emotion-less" review (sorry, I'm still learning!) I adored this book. I WILL be pre-ordering - I need a physical copy for when I want a cozy cuddle up reading sesh. ❤️ Also I saw a special edition cover design online and I'm not sure what the situation is with that but I NEEED it.
The book excels in its warm, witchy bookshop setting and delivers a comfort-driven reading experience with a nice build of romantic tension. The dynamic between Lucy and Grayson is engaging, and the forced proximity/enemies-to-lovers arc works super well! Who cares if it’s cliche? The trope is popular for a reason. 😘
I did occasionally find the pacing/transitions a bit uneven, with a few scenes feeling slightly abrupt in how they were introduced/resolved. This didn’t take me out of the story completely, but it did affect the overall flow at times.
The miscommunication trope is quite prominent (particularly in the later parts of the book). I did appreciate that Grayson’s communication struggles are eventually given context, which added depth to his character… but if he was self-actualized enough to understand how his trauma would affect his communication skills, I would assume he’d be able to communicate that weakness of his. Maybe that’s just the miscommunication-trope-hater in me coming out, though.
One of the standout elements for me was the cozy small-business bookshop atmosphere and the concept of Lucy’s intuitive “book magic,” which adds a unique and charming layer to the story. I also really enjoyed the warmth of Lucy’s grandfather/granddaughter-esque connection with Charles. Every interaction between them warmed my heart.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy, low-stakes romantasy, strong atmosphere, and slow-burn, character-driven romance. It’s a comforting read that prioritizes vibe/chemistry over complex plotting or high-stakes conflict.
Despite my fairly "emotion-less" review (sorry, I'm still learning!) I adored this book. I WILL be pre-ordering - I need a physical copy for when I want a cozy cuddle up reading sesh. ❤️ Also I saw a special edition cover design online and I'm not sure what the situation is with that but I NEEED it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5/5 rounded up. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book based on the description, whether it would be a cotton candy read or something with more depth. Turns out, it was both/neither, and it's left me a little disappointed.
To Vex & To Hex is generally well-written, and the story is generally interesting. The cast of characters was (mostly) fun and the conflict engaging. As a cotton candy novel, this ticked all the boxes, with a fun blend of the ridiculous and the adorable as two enemies prank war themselves into a relationship.
However, as a book seeking to convey emotional depth, the book is less successful. From the start, the treatment of the two main characters is noticeably uneven. At some level, Lucy and Grayson both deal with abandonment issues: Lucy, because of absentee parents (there but not emotionally there), Grayson because of literal abandonment as a child. I'm not sure these things should be equated, but they're seemingly treated with at least equal weight by the author. Or perhaps she believes the former is weightier, because far more of the book is spent delving into Lucy's pain than Grayson's. We get pages upon pages about her experiences and feelings, as though we're supposed to marinate in them. But when it comes to the situations and confrontations required to address Grayson's childhood trauma, we get mere lines--brief accounts that feel superficial and trite, almost glossing over what happened to him for a quick simple resolution. Presumably, this is so that the reader doesn't have a chance to think too poorly of the person who caused his pain, but that feels flat and wrong and disingenuous. The whole thing would have been much more authentic had the issues actually been wrestled with, because sometimes good people mess up really badly, and simple fixes don't cut it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
To Vex & To Hex is generally well-written, and the story is generally interesting. The cast of characters was (mostly) fun and the conflict engaging. As a cotton candy novel, this ticked all the boxes, with a fun blend of the ridiculous and the adorable as two enemies prank war themselves into a relationship.
However, as a book seeking to convey emotional depth, the book is less successful. From the start, the treatment of the two main characters is noticeably uneven. At some level, Lucy and Grayson both deal with abandonment issues: Lucy, because of absentee parents (there but not emotionally there), Grayson because of literal abandonment as a child. I'm not sure these things should be equated, but they're seemingly treated with at least equal weight by the author. Or perhaps she believes the former is weightier, because far more of the book is spent delving into Lucy's pain than Grayson's. We get pages upon pages about her experiences and feelings, as though we're supposed to marinate in them. But when it comes to the situations and confrontations required to address Grayson's childhood trauma, we get mere lines--brief accounts that feel superficial and trite, almost glossing over what happened to him for a quick simple resolution. Presumably, this is so that the reader doesn't have a chance to think too poorly of the person who caused his pain, but that feels flat and wrong and disingenuous. The whole thing would have been much more authentic had the issues actually been wrestled with, because sometimes good people mess up really badly, and simple fixes don't cut it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Full disclosure: I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Lucy is a witch who works in a bookstore. She's like a daughter to Charles, the store's owner. When he's scheduled for a hip replacement, his long-absent grandson, Grayson, travels from Ireland to help with the shop and, he hopes, to rebuild his relationship with his grandfather. Lucy resents the intrusion into their lives, and hijinks ensue. And, this being a Romance, you'll never guess who she's attracted to …
I really liked this book. Lucy and Grayson are a fine pair of protagonists, and it's a delight to watch them dance around each other. The settings are appropriately cozy, and the supporting cast are wonderful. Yes, there are steamy sex scenes, and I definitely felt the heat.
Obviously, it's going to take an entire book to get our couple together and to have them stay that way. So there are the usual moments of self-sacrifice and leaping to conclusions. But Noon puts in the work to make sure that everyone's motivations for doing the things that they do ring true. It's a Romance, so a bit of contrivance is par for the course, but nothing feels forced. I admire the skill with which she sets up … hmmmm … let's call it Chekov's Ikea Project. That phrase seems like the best combination of literary allusion and spoiler-free hinting …
Lucy doesn't really need to be a witch. The whole book would still work with no supernatural elements whatsoever. Yes, some scenes would happen a little differently, but they could still happen. I don't think that's a problem or anything, just an interesting point. And you could argue that it just makes the Romance that much more special and cozy and magical.
This was a delightful book! I enjoyed it a great deal, and I recommend it highly!
Lucy is a witch who works in a bookstore. She's like a daughter to Charles, the store's owner. When he's scheduled for a hip replacement, his long-absent grandson, Grayson, travels from Ireland to help with the shop and, he hopes, to rebuild his relationship with his grandfather. Lucy resents the intrusion into their lives, and hijinks ensue. And, this being a Romance, you'll never guess who she's attracted to …
I really liked this book. Lucy and Grayson are a fine pair of protagonists, and it's a delight to watch them dance around each other. The settings are appropriately cozy, and the supporting cast are wonderful. Yes, there are steamy sex scenes, and I definitely felt the heat.
Obviously, it's going to take an entire book to get our couple together and to have them stay that way. So there are the usual moments of self-sacrifice and leaping to conclusions. But Noon puts in the work to make sure that everyone's motivations for doing the things that they do ring true. It's a Romance, so a bit of contrivance is par for the course, but nothing feels forced. I admire the skill with which she sets up … hmmmm … let's call it Chekov's Ikea Project. That phrase seems like the best combination of literary allusion and spoiler-free hinting …
Lucy doesn't really need to be a witch. The whole book would still work with no supernatural elements whatsoever. Yes, some scenes would happen a little differently, but they could still happen. I don't think that's a problem or anything, just an interesting point. And you could argue that it just makes the Romance that much more special and cozy and magical.
This was a delightful book! I enjoyed it a great deal, and I recommend it highly!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In summary, To Vex and to Hex is about a elderly bookstore owner who falls and breaks his hip and must go to the hospital. His long time employee Lucy misses him greatly and can't wait for him to come back to work. One day, his estranged grandson, Grayson, shows up at the bookstore trying to take things over in order to help Charles. Lucy and Grayson do *not* get along. Grayson wants Lucy out of the way so he can build a relationship with his grandfather, therefore he decides to 'vex' her into quitting. Lucy wants Grayson out of the picture because she is extremely protective of Charles, so she constantly 'hexes' Grayson, in order to get him to quit.
This book has so much going for it: magic, enemies/rivals to lovers, bookstore setting, emotional trauma! But it also has two major flaws: Lucy and Charles.
Lucy is such a petulant child, the *entire* book. She's mean. She tries to steal Grayson's property, she throws stuff at him, makes a baby throw up on him and laughs, she burns his clothes, belittles him in front of customers and constantly hexes him. She never once apologizes for her behavior.
Charles *sigh*, he makes zero attempts to actually get to know his grandson Grayson. Well, that's not true. He asks Grayson to go grocery shopping, in which G says he's already done it, and Charles just pouts. He never once initiates communication with G, and he never really sticks up for him.
Poor sweet Grayson, a rejected child who wants to desperately have a relationship with his last living family member. And as stated above, the other two make it extremely difficult for him.
There is quite a bit of spice, but the character lusting just seems so forced, and non-organic.
I really wanted to like this story more, but Lucy was really unlikeable and unrelatable
This book has so much going for it: magic, enemies/rivals to lovers, bookstore setting, emotional trauma! But it also has two major flaws: Lucy and Charles.
Lucy is such a petulant child, the *entire* book. She's mean. She tries to steal Grayson's property, she throws stuff at him, makes a baby throw up on him and laughs, she burns his clothes, belittles him in front of customers and constantly hexes him. She never once apologizes for her behavior.
Charles *sigh*, he makes zero attempts to actually get to know his grandson Grayson. Well, that's not true. He asks Grayson to go grocery shopping, in which G says he's already done it, and Charles just pouts. He never once initiates communication with G, and he never really sticks up for him.
Poor sweet Grayson, a rejected child who wants to desperately have a relationship with his last living family member. And as stated above, the other two make it extremely difficult for him.
There is quite a bit of spice, but the character lusting just seems so forced, and non-organic.
I really wanted to like this story more, but Lucy was really unlikeable and unrelatable
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