Love Potion #911

Hot Flashes & Hexes #2

by Ivy Spellman

Diane Martinez was perfectly happy being the sidekick.

The supportive best friend. The one who showed up with wine and commentary while Cassie dealt with the magical chaos. Forty-seven first dates, five second dates, zero thirds. Keep it light. Keep it safe. Never pick wrong again.

Then Cassie's magic accidentally enchanted her dating app.

Now her matches are showing up from multiple decades—including her high school boyfriend (who still looks eighteen), a disco enthusiast from the seventies who keeps calling her "groovy lady," and her ex-husband, who drove three states because the universe apparently hates her.

Her phone won't stop buzzing. Men she's never met are texting in outdated slang. Someone wants to know if she has an 8-track player.

The only place her phone goes quiet? A dusty antique shop run by a grumpy widower who wants nothing to do with her chaos.

Too bad the universe has other plans.

Diane spent her whole life keeping her options open. But the magic won't settle until she makes a choice—and for once, she can't swipe left on her own story.

Love Potion #911 is Book 2 in the Hot Flashes & Hexes series—cozy witch romantic fantasy with midlife magic, dating disasters, and a happily-ever-after worth choosing.

Perfect for fans of K.F. Breene's Magical Midlife series, The Ex Hex, and anyone who's ever wondered if their dating app was cursed.

This book

🍷 Wine as a coping mechanism (and a food group)

📱 A dating app with opinions

🕺 A disco enthusiast who won't take "no" for an answer

😾 A judgmental cat named Tequila

💔 An ex-husband who should have stayed in the past

🖤 A grumpy antique dealer with a dead wife's snow globe and a heart he swore he'd never use again

🌙 Midlife magic, mayhem, and a happily-ever-after

Each book in the Hot Flashes & Hexes series features a different midlife heroine finding her magic—and her person. They can be read as standalones, but the Sunday dinner crew is more fun if you start at the beginning.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Love Potion #911. If you enjoyed the first book, Don't Hex the Handyman, you are in for another treat. This installment is just as well written — sharp, engaging, and completely immersive from start to finish.

From the very first page, the story pulls you in and refuses to let go. The writing is witty and incredibly polished, with a natural flow that makes it so easy to get lost in the world and the characters. Just like in the first book, the humour is perfectly timed and genuinely funny. I found myself laughing out loud more than once.

What really makes this story shine is how deeply it connects you to the main character. The author has a wonderful ability to pull the reader into the emotional journey. You don’t just read about what’s happening — you feel it. You go through the same emotions, doubts, excitement, and tension right alongside the protagonist, which makes the entire experience that much richer.

And the suspense keeps you hooked. There were several moments where I was genuinely on the edge of my seat, completely invested in how everything would turn out. The pacing is spot on, building anticipation while still delivering heartfelt and humorous moments along the way.

Overall, this book proves that the magic of the first story wasn’t a fluke. It’s every bit as funny, heartfelt, and beautifully written as Don't Hex the Handyman, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended for anyone who loves romance with humour, emotional depth, and a storyline that keeps you guessing right to the very end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Martines is divorced, and happily single, but when her dating app suddenly starts matching her with men from multiple decades, including her eighteen-year-old high school prom date and her ex-husband, it is time to ask her best friend Cassie for help. Turns out Diane herself is a witch with a very specific magic, but before she can get rid of the random men following her around, she must make an important choice. Marcus Chen, a widower, owns a local antique shop and is not ready for the chaos Diane brings into his orderly life. But for Diane, the blessed silence of her phone when she is with Marcus in his shop is a relief. Unfortunately, her magic won’t settle down until Diane makes a choice, and that terrifies her more than she cares to admit.
Wow, I loved this book. This is a fantastic romantic comedy with a witchy twist. All the romance is closed door and there is plenty of emotional depth that made it easy to read this wonderful book in one sitting. Hysterically funny with very well written characters, a judgmental cat, and an interesting twist kept me laughing, and I will admit to tears as well, then a happily ever after made this a book I will gladly recommend to others. This is must-read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens and the author.

[Denise DeJonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane, experiences a rather interesting “Tinder” experience, set off by her friends grounding crystals. But what happens next is beyond crazy!! Her love connections start to explode, covering so many people from her past, known and unknown. They all are feeling a connection to Diane. Commitment has been the biggest downfall for Diane throughout her life. She committed once, and it fell apart, so she vowed never again.

Marcus is the owner of a unique antique store in town. Whenever Diane is in the store, all of the magical dating match chaos seems to silence. This brings her so much comfort and a sense of reprieve that she really starts to connect with Marcus.

Sadly, the magical spell has not been broken yet, and Diane, along with her friends and cats, start to delve into her ancestral connections, and look for a root cause. So many interesting things happen to and around Diane. She has a revelation towards the end. I don’t want to give things away. Get yourself a cup of coffee, a snack and settle down for a fun read!! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!

[Renise Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud humor with characters that are real. Ivy Spellman’s characters are middle aged and dealing with life as such. Diane is the main character, divorced and on a dating app. It appears to get hexed and starts swapping all the past dates from Diane’s life. There’s a parade of junior high dates and 70s dudes as so many comical men that drive Diane to seek refuge in a shop. Marcus, the shop owner, is grumpy and recently widowed. He is reclusive and does not want the drama that comes with Diane. So much comedy and laugh out loud humor in this book. However, it deals with a deeply common subject so beautifully. Read this book. It’s so clever! This is the 2nd in a series a I will read them all now that I have read “Love Potion #911”. It’s a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon.

[Vicki Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ivy Spellman knocks it out of the park with a witty, yet incredibly touching, spellbinding romance. The author builds out a few characters in this new book, while still maintaining and growing the people we met in the prior book. This book can absolutely be read as a stand-alone novel, but why wouldn't you want to go back and learn more?! I think a lot of ladies 'of a certain age' will appreciate the hesitation that Diane has in trusting in romance again. She's had her heart broken once - why would she let that happen again? This story delves into some really interesting introspective learning for our main characters, and while it's deep and meaningful, the author blends humor into the situation so the reader gets a chance to reflect and breathe through it all. Well done, Ivy - I cannot wait for the next one!

[Stacy71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane has a dating history that includes many, many first dates not much beyond that. And she is happy with that. Until her best friend’s new magic goes wonky and has her dating app matching her to old loves, missed opportunities – and just odd men from different eras. There is no rhyme or reason to who it brings into her orbit. Until she pops into an old antique shop to escape her dinging phone. It’s the only place her phone quiets and she meets the only man not immediately enamored with her.

Her relationship with the grumpy shop owner seemed genuine and the premise was cute. Diane was a compassionate person – even amid the chaos erupting around her. I enjoyed this second installment in the Hot Flashes and Hexes series. I am looking forward to what comes next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle_reads13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a cosy witchy rom-com you are going to love the second book in the hot flushes and hexes series

This book was hilarious, honest and wholesome, it didn’t take itself too seriously and that’s what made it such a delight to read.

Diane’s character was real and relatable as was the development of the relationship between her and Marcus.

Looking forward to book 3

This is not a standalone book so you do need to read the first book before this one but they’re short novellas and are easy to read in a few hours if you are a fast reader or a day if you’re a bit slower

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super cute, unique, and fun. I was worried because I didn’t know if I would like Diane’s character based on her introduction from the first Book, but was still able to really enjoy the story.

Like the first book, there were some repetitive phrases that persisted throughout the story. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine and might not bother others.

I will absolutely continue to read these if the universe continues to build. The stories are easy to digest, have good humor, and lots of sweet, feel good moments.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description of this book is accurate. Light, quick read, filled with humor, midlife mayhem and a very sweet love story. Ivy Spellman has created another heart warming magical tale. I love that this book also centers around an older couple, not too late for love and not too late to discover new things about themselves and live more fully. Wonderful warm characters and brilliant dialog. I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first. Not required, but will make a whole lot more sense if you do.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Love Potion #911 by Ivy Spellman! 🪄💖 This cozy witch romance is full of laughs, magic, and swoon-worthy moments. Midlife, mishaps, and a little magical chaos make this story completely enchanting.

Ivy Spellman’s writing is warm, funny, and utterly addictive—perfect for anyone who loves witches, romance, and a sprinkle of comedy. You’ll laugh, swoon, and maybe even wish you had your own love potion! 🧙‍♀️💫

[Lorra_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorably funny and chaotic.

Diane, divorced and stuck in a dating slump, suddenly has too many romantic options after a crystal enchants her phone with magic.

Then there’s the grumpy antique shop owner, who might not be just another option.

The story leans into the chaos in a really fun way, but there’s also a focus on fear, commitment, and making a choice.

It’s a quick, entertaining read with a great mix of characters—human, magical, and furry.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. Diane seemed like a flat character, the emotions just didn't come through for me. Marcus is a little more emotional, but even so I just wasn't feeling his character either. The story is cute, easy to read, and I loved Cassie and Liam in the first book! I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read, this was! I enjoyed book 1 so much and was so excited to read Diane's story. I loved how the relationship between her and Marcus developed, they fitted themselves so neatly into each others lives. Also loved the link to Diane's family too.

Looking forward to the next instalment a lot.

[Kathy Debevits McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not really care for this installment of this five book series. To me it was sort of draggy and believe it or not even for a book that has magic in it. It was a little bit unrealistic to me. I did get through it and finish it because I do not like giving up on a book and I also will not give up on the series so now I am off to book 3.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is a lovely low angst follow up to the first book, it felt like a repeat of the first just with different names for the MCs

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really entertaining. A fun and light read. It'd be a really comical way to date and find love, if this were real! I like the pacing of it and the characters are hilarious and also easy to relate to. And "get along" with. A very nice read!

[Amber Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The second book of the Hot Flashes & Hexs series is another laugh out loud fun time. The best friend Diane's love life gets highjacked in this sequel and takes you on a some what time travel good time.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choosing

That's what a long relationship is truly about, choosing everyday, in small and large ways, to be with your person. Choosing to love. What a wise book.

[Reda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great installment of Spellman's midlife romcom series. It was a fun, light read that I finished in an afternoon! The story had heart--explorations of grief and trauma--but there was plenty to laugh about too. And I love that Diane is another 40-something, slightly chaotic heroine looking for a second-act happily every after. Looking forward to the next one already!

Many thanks to Booksirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.