Hex Appeal

by Kelly Garcia

Bella Hexley has rebuilt her life on contracts, careful choices, and rules she refuses to break.

Blood magic doesn’t care about any of them.

Once, Bella walked away from Coven Hill and the power that nearly destroyed her future. Now a respected attorney with newly awakened magic, she has finally begun to trust the life she fought so hard to reclaim.

Until a demon uprising exposes a centuries-old bargain — one tied to an ancient grimoire, stolen magic, and the man she never truly forgot.

Suddenly, the skills that helped Bella survive divorce, debt, and starting over aren’t enough. Coven Hill is unraveling, its most vulnerable citizens caught in a system designed to protect power instead of people. And whether she wants it or not, Bella may be the only person capable of challenging it.

Jack Payne isn’t making that choice any easier.

A reaper bound by unbreakable laws, Jack knows secrets he can never share — even with the woman he can’t seem to stay away from. Their connection is undeniable. Their future may be impossible.

But as the truth behind the magical conspiracy comes to light, Bella faces a decision that will define not just her power… but the life she’s determined to build.

Because some contracts are meant to be honored.

Some are meant to be broken.

And some demand a price that changes everything.

HEX APPEAL is a character-driven urban fantasy perfect for readers who love magic with grown-up stakes, slow-burn romance, and heroines who refuse to surrender the lives they’ve fought to rebuild.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Kelly writes funny, feel-good paranormal fiction where magic is unpredictable, friendships are fierce, and found families are worth fighting for. Her stories celebrate the quiet rebellion of women who’ve been told their best years are behind them — because adventure doesn’t end at forty… it just gets more interesting.

Kelly lives in the Midwest with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and excellent intentions about going to bed earlier. A veterinarian by day and writer by night, she has learned that both careers require patience, problem-solving, and occasionally being covered in things she did not anticipate.

When she’s not creating magical disasters for fictional people, she can usually be found negotiating with animals, arguing with imaginary characters, and wondering which is more stubborn.

Reviews

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hex Appeal is what happens when motherhood meets magic and neither one is willing to behave. And honestly? I loved the chaos.

Bella is juggling mom life, friendships, and supernatural curveballs like she’s training for the Witch Olympics. She’s relatable in that “I haven’t slept, I might cry, but I will absolutely handle this” kind of way. Her dynamic with her daughter feels real messy, loving, occasionally exasperating and her friendships add warmth and bite in equal measure.

The humor? On point. The emotional beats? Surprisingly heartfelt. One minute you’re smirking at magical mishaps, the next you’re catching feelings. The world-building cleverly slides magic into everyday life without making it feel overcomplicated or over-the-top.

Overall, it’s charming, witty, and just dramatic enough to keep you flipping pages. If you like contemporary fantasy with sass, heart, and a heroine who refuses to drop the broom (even when she probably should), this one’s for you.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to see another book in this series, and I think it’s probably the best in the series so far. Bella, Gianna, Reginald, Jack, and all the other characters are back in fine fashion. There is some siphoning of magic that only Bella seems to be able to detect, and no one believes her. This is a wild ride with Paul and now Darian trying to gain the upper hand in the town and quite possibly the world. This is a great installment, and this one hit my heart hard in a couple of places. We have redemption, romance, conflict, and so much more in this, and I think, as I said above, this is the best so far in the series. Well-written, fun, sad, and so much fun. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Brandon Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch lawyer Bella Hexley has built a good life for herself and her daughter in Coven Hill after reclaiming her magic. It is all in danger and she must work with the one reaper she can’t stay away from. There is an ancient grimoire, evil demons, and her ex-husband to contend with. Can she overcome it all to save the town she now calls home?

This was a good story about the families we make for ourselves and what we will do to keep them safe. The use of legal procedures to battle demons was a novel approach and I found it interesting. The concept of contracts with demons being used against them was great!

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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of The Hex Files series. This book reads swiftly and the plot is excellent. Bella is the FMC. She is a half-witch and a lawyer. She takes supernatural cases and mostly wins them. She is attracted to a grim reaper and has a BFF who is human. She is trying to save her suburb of Coven Hill from demons in this book. There is a lot of danger and threatening thugs. She must use the law to outwit some evil demons. It is funny in places and I cried when they discussed the death of a loved one. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal romance readers.

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

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hex Appeal is Book 3 in The Hex Files by Kelly Garcia. WOW! Hex Appeal is fantastic. Bella is such a strong character. She along with her BFF Ginna, are all that stands in the way of pure evil taking control of Coven Hill. I believe that each book just keeps getting better. Bella's ex husband makes an appearance and iPhone behavior and actions are surprising. Does Bells have a romance beginning? Maybe. I really did not want this story to end because it was so enjoyable. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only buy if you love action, witches and demons

I loved it!   I don't remember reading a book with lawyers and demons before.  It was very interesting and full of action, emotions, witches, demons and contracts...  Not what I expected, but even better!  I will definitely need to read the previous books now that my curiosity is piqued.

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

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella is back and embroiled in another mystery/case but its a district rather then a simple law question. Magic is disappearing, people in trouble and Bella in the middle of it all with her friends and a ghost to help her. It made me laugh and try to figure it out before Bella does. And wanted to see how bad things would get before Bella saved the day. Lots of drama, trouble, and danger to keep things interesting too. loved it and laughed through most of it.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Not everything was roses in this book with some deaths. Lots of action and at one part I thought Bella’s magic was going to fail her. Some interesting legal positions and some very surprising court room happenings. Didn’t like the cliff hanger ending as I have to wait awhile for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nordiana Baruzzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella and Gianna, two forty-something lawyers living with their daughters and a ghosts, have to save their community from demonic chaos. this is the premise of this interesting book.

A bit darker than my usual fare, but quite enjoyable nonetheless.

If you like spunky, strong women facing off insurmountable obstacles and coming out on top, look no further than this.

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

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun! I love how Bella just stands up for what is right, no matter the consequences. She is very straightforward about that. I love the family that she and Gianna have cobbled together. I love Reginald. I don’t think Bella could get by without him. I love how she goes up against the Demon Paul several times and outwits him. I can’t wait for another book!

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hex Appeal Book 3 of The Hex Files by Kelly Garcia is another charming and witty story with great characters, drama, action and great worldbuilding. Excellent story!

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