Hexing the Hot Priest

London Magic #2

by Angela Pearse

A fake priest.
A secret witch.
A recipe for trouble.

Lila Thorne is far too busy running her ex’s café – and dreaming up spells – to fangirl over celebrity chefs. But when she enters a TV baking contest, she comes face-to-face with the one man she refuses to drool over.

Knox Sinclair, the nation’s favourite hot Scot priest, whips up complex creations on his popular show, Heavenly Delights. The collar is fake, but the ego isn’t, and he has little patience for amateurs who “just throw things together”.

Lila refuses to be intimidated. Her rustic, instinctive style turns Knox’s perfectly controlled kitchen into chaos, and it infuriates him. Even worse, she makes him want things that have nothing to do with baking.

However, as sparks fly – magical and otherwise – Knox begins to suspect there’s more to Lila than meets the eye. And when a spell backfires, forcing his own secret into the open, everything changes.

Now the truth is out and the heat is rising in the kitchen, but is Lila ready for a different kind of temptation… and a confession of her own?

If you like enemies-to-lovers romance, witchy magic, and The Great British Bake Off-style chaos, then you'll love Hexing the Hot Priest

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Angela Pearse writes witty romantic comedies with quirky humour and a touch of the unexpected. Her stories range from escapist romps to darker satire, always with romance at their heart.

Originally from New Zealand, Angela now lives in Edinburgh, where the city’s rich history and atmospheric streets provide endless inspiration for her books. She can usually be found dreaming up memorable characters, banter-filled chaos and plot twists over half-finished cups of camomile tea.

Latest Series

Book 1: My Devil Wears Denim - Out Now

Book 2: Hexing the Hot Priest - Out Now

Book 3: Wild About the Warlock - Coming 11 November

Find Out More

* Get a FREE paranormal romcom novella

* Visit Website

* Follow on Amazon Author Page

Reviews

[Lynn_G]

Practicing witch and baking barista Lila is encouraged by her group of friends (a couple of whom happen to be in her coven) to enter a contest to bake alongside hunky Father Knox on his show. After she’s chosen for the show, she finds herself wildly attracted to the gorgeous man of the cloth, which is a hopeless proposition… or is it?!

Riding the wave of success of his baking show for the last ten years, Knox has become something of a household name in Great Britain, but his producer wants to add something fresh to the mix to keep him ahead of his closest competition, so she facilitates the contest. Initially, Knox’s ego won’t let him choose Lila’s superior recipe as the winner as he’s concerned she’ll show him up, but he thinks better of it after a fashion. When Lila walks into the studio, Knox is captivated by her in a way that makes him rethink everything.

Both Lila and Knox have been keeping secrets, however, both from each other and to the world at large, and secrets have a way of being revealed, sometimes to disastrous effect.

This is a very cute, lighthearted and sexy, somehow instalove but slow burn due to the whole priest situation of it all romance from the always engaging Angela Pearse. I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author and BookSirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books]

🌶️🌶️

What a delightfully awkward romcom lol. I loved the kitchen witch and her ways, and I loved the not so saintly MMC. These two work well together and had some fun and sticky moments in the book. It was a fun and entertaining read.

❤️ Tropes ❤️

💋 paranormal romcom
💋 kitchen witch FMC
💋 TV star MMC
💋 thrown together in a TV show kitchen

Lila loves her baking shows. She bakes for the coffee shop and loves to watch Millie Briscoe. Unfortunately her friends like to look at Knox, the baking priest, better. But when they announce a contest to get a chance to film with Knox, this might be the break she needs. As long as she keeps her magic on a tight leash he will never know what hit him, right?

[Jessica]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on July 1st called, Hexing the Hot Priest. This is about Lila, she is a barista and a baker who likes to add a little magic to the items in her shop. She loves baking shows, and while watching one with her friends they find out about a contest to enter a recipe for a chance to be on TV baking with Knox, the hot priest baker on Heavenly Delights. She enters and gets onto the show, but is immediately unimpressed with Knox and the way he acts in the kitchen. He needs to let loose a little, and a little magic can help with that. But as these two are baking together for the TV show, the banter between them turns to flirting, but she reminds herself he's the one person she could never be with, he's a priest. When a spell goes wrong and he ends up revealing a huge secret, everything changes between them. But now she's the one with a huge secret that could change everything.
This was such an absolutely fantastic paranormal romcom! I truly loved every second of this story, this was so much fun! The enemies to lovers, the quick witty banter, the magic, the secrets, and the storyline around baking... I absolutely devoured this story and left no crumbs! 😉 This was everything I love in a paranormal romcom, I didn't want it to end! This is book two in this series, but can be read as a standalone (although I suggest reading book one first because it's also absolutely fantastic!) And I loved seeing characters from the last book in this story, and I'm soo excited for the next book!
(Also after her signature magic brownies were mentioned so many times, I knew I had to bake some for my book review pic!) 🤍📚

Thank you to Angela Pearse for this ARC of Hexing the Hot Priest, in exchange for an honest review.

[Richard]

Great fun. Basically it is a humorous clash of characters between the grumpy hot, fake catholic priest who hosts a TV baking show and a fiesty, good natured witch who manages a cafe and at the urging of her friends enters a competition where the prize is to appear in 5 episodes of his show.

The plot bounces along with plenty of fun and inventive interactions. The true romance only starts to bloom towards the end of the book but it is worth the journey.

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

[Leah Yancey]

ARC Review

Thank you Angela Pearse and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

To the point, I devoured this book. It exceeded my expectation and left me wanting more. I loved how the MCs had insta-love, but because of the circumstances surrounding the show, it was a slow burn. I ate that up! The banter was great and even a bit cheesy, but it worked for their characters. I was in a bit of a reading slump before this and it picked me up out it. Thank you again for the opportunity to read this!

[Lisa]

Lila and Knox created the perfect recipe:
enemies to lovers, chemistry, laughter, spice and a touch of magic.

You’ll enjoy Hexing the hot priest if you like cooking shows, bickering and a very protective cat.

A cute slow-burn paranormal romcom that made me want to bake.

Angela Pearse has done it again!


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

[Hayley Lopp]

This was such a cute/funny book! It’s giving spicy paranormal romcom vibes, and I loved it! Lila and Knox’s chemistry was unmatched. The slow burn was burninggg and the spice was just the right amount. I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect easy summer read! Thank you to BookSirens and the author, Angela Pearse, for this advanced copy!

[Haley Gochal]

Thank you for the ARC!

This was such a cute fast read for me, really enjoyed the magical aspect of the story 😍

Loved the banter between the two characters and their chemistry. Definitely felt like an instalove match but forced slow burn and I do enjoy a good slow burn. Genuinely made me want to get up and start baking!

[Jennifer McHugh]

I absolutely adored this book! The characters have really fun banter, and the shenanigans that she causes for him are hilarious! I really liked that they included a familiar that had a human like sense of humor and added attitude to the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in a fun, light hearted read.

[Alexandra]

This was hilarious! The banter and chemistry between the FMC and MMC was great. Fast paced and energetic, this story quickly drew me in and I finished it in one sitting! I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Book Ssirren]

I loved Knox and Lila. These two were so funny. The banter between them had me laughing. Some good food, tossing some magic around, and of course that spice. Or was like the cherry on top lol. I had the best time reading this one.

[Amy B Garratt]

My favourite of the London Magic Series so far! A brilliant slow burn with some close proximity and frenemies to lovers thrown in. Knox is definitely the grump to Lila witchy optimist, but I really liked their chemistry and how the plot seemed to go at a good pace/all the baking show shenanigans!

[Jen M]

Just like all the other Angela Pearse paranormal romances I’ve read, this books was a light hearted romance with characters you can’t help but love. The relationship between Lila and Knox was so natural. Their banter and the crazy situations they get into will make you laugh out loud. And the touch of magic makes this story all the better.

[Marion Löw]

This book was fun to read! It’s a lighthearted paranormal rom-com featuring a fake priest/popular baker with his own TV show and a spirited, curvy witch/barista who wins a contest and appears on his show. It starts out as a “enemies-to-lovers” romance and, because of his supposed priesthood, evolves into a slowly unfolding love story with the flair of a forbidden love. The plot is very well written and full of hilarious moments, suspense, secrets, witty banter, magical pranks, spice, and very likable characters. Lila and Knox are complete opposites—she’s good-natured, a bit chaotic, and refuses to flatter Knox, while he’s grumpy, organized, and arrogant. Sometimes I almost felt sorry for him when Lila cast her spells. The instant attraction and sizzling chemistry between the two were palpable throughout the entire book.

The witch Lila Thorne works as a barista at her ex-boyfriend’s café and lives in his apartment above it. Her friends talk her into entering a contest where the winner gets to appear on a famous baking show hosted by “hot priest” Knox Sinclair for five episodes, and with a little magic in her recipe, she actually wins.
To boost ratings, the network and professional baker Knox had decided that he should pose as a “hot priest” who bakes; now he has to live a celibate life so as not to jeopardize the show and his image. Knox is very full of himself and his skills, and when Lila enters the contest, he doesn’t really want her to win because he’s afraid she might be better than him—but his conscience won’t let him. So he tries to keep her down, while Lila refuses to let him push her around. If only there weren’t the forbidden mutual attraction and the secrets they both want to keep hidden…

All in all, a very entertaining read with endearing protagonists, likable supporting characters (including a cat), banter and hexing, humor, heart and heat, that I‘m happy to recommend.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Moonburst]

Witch Lila knows she's a great baker, especially with the spells she integrates into some of her desserts. So when she wins a TV baking contest and starts to work alongside celebrity chef, Knox Sinclair, she refuses to be cowed by his attitude and pretentious recipes. Knox is not really a member of the clergy, and his public persona is wearing terribly on his nonexistent social life. Sparks fly as the two butt heads, and soon each is wanting a more.

This was such an enjoyable book. Both characters are flawed but personable. Lila knows what she's worth, but still struggles with anxiety, especially under the limelight. She's handy with making her own spells, and she's not afraid to hex a man of the cloth to keep him humble. She meets Knox's high handedness with a mixture of sly hexes and general harassment, but she still has a empathetic core that prompts her to try to help Knox in her own way.

Because of his celebrity persona as a priest, Knox is limited with who he can be open and honest with. He finds his social limitations frustrating, and his frustration often colors his interactions with people at work. With his well deserved pride, he often comes across and a grumpy jerk, despite secretly meaning well. He's well and truly trapped within his professional persona, without any real way of living the way he truly wants to.

Hexing the Hot Priest is a fun paranormal romance with plenty of banter and wit between characters with surprising of personal depth.

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

[Noreen Hussain]

Hexing the priest.

Really enjoyed this supernatural rom com by Angela pearse.

Lila Thorne is a witch who dabbles in light magic.She works at the Cat and Cauldron cafe,which is owned by her ex-boyfriend Jack.Jack is a warlock and also runs and owns the salon next door.He wants Lila back.

Lila's best friends Araminta and Poppy hate Jack,so does Lila's familiar Luna.When her friends persaude Lila to enter a baking competition for Heavenly delights,hosted by Knox Sinclair,she reluctantly agrees.

Knox is a scottish hot priest who has his own cooking show,but it is all for show.When he ends up choosing Lila as the winner of the baking contest and they appear on the show together,sparks fly.There is something about Lila Knox cannot put his finger on.Her cat Luna hates him.He is attracted to her,but cannot pursue anything with her or tell her the truth.So he tries to keep his distance and gives her the cold shoulder.

As they work together and the more time they spend with each other,along with the attraction their feelings grow as well.

When all the secrets come out,they both admit their feelings,with the help of a little magic.They get to their sweet happily ever after.

An enjoyable slow burn romance with lots of laugh out loud moments,emotions,great banter,amazing friendships,lots of magic,swoony moments,hot chemistry,romance and a happily ever after.

Cannot wait Angela's next book.

I recieved a free copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sandy]

Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm feeling lucky right now. I finished reading the author's first book in this trilogy, My Devil Wears Denim, last night and I was able to read the second book - this book, Hexing the Hot Priest, today. While both books are fabulously fun reads, they're different from one another, but in a good way. For starters, this book doesn't take us back to the 1980s but instead plops us front and centre into the sweet (and sultry?) world of baking.

Once again, the characters are solid, the storyline is captivating, and the dialogue is filled with heat and humour. The love story itself progresses perfectly, simmering with alternating heat until there's ultimately a boiling overflow. I think one of the things I like best about this book is that, like book one, things don't play out in exactly the way you think they will, which I appreciate immensely. I like being surprised by the choices author's make.

Without giving anything away, I'll say that if you're into snappy dialogue, slow-burn love stories, quirky characters, and lots of fun and humour, then this book is for you. I loved it, and I'll probably read it again. Now, I'm looking forward to book three.

[Lenaasty]

The chemistry wasn't strong enough for me, their attraction and ultimately love didn't rely on anything more than oh they're hot and they bake well 😬

the hate dynamic they've got going on felt like a forced enemies to lovers because they don't really have a reason to hate each other, especially in his case as he doesn't know her at all and she hasn't done anything?? and suddenly he stops disliking her, still for no reason, and she starts liking him even though he's still super rude and pretentious

I would say that was my biggest turn off here, him being so macho he was kinda mysoginistic, like when he said:

"There will be no tears, no female manipulation, no theatrics. Just plain and simple respect for the master baker."

considering these books' target audience, that's an interesting choice of something to make the male lead think. it might have been better without his pov altogether ngl

I did enjoy the baking contest and was more involved in this plot than the rest. the second part of the book kinda makes up for the first.

Overall this wasn't really for me even though I usually really like romcoms with witches and romcoms with baking, hadn't seen both mixed before and the priest trope was definitely new. A quick and easy read 🧁

[Kim]

If you love The Great British Bakeoff then this a perfect contemporary witchy book to read. Lila, a barista, baker, and witch, is a likeable confident person that surrounds herself with a few friends from her coven and tolerates her ex-boyfriend since he owns the shop she works in and the apartment above the shop in which Lila resides. Her friends convince her to enter a baking contest for a television show hosted by a (fake) priest and she wins. The book follows the banter, sexual tension, and the baking episodes of Lila and Knox, the hot priest. Lila is unaware that Knox is only faking being a priest for his television show and this leads to some conflict.
The book is a light easy read with some good spice toward the end. There is a bit of witchy spells and hexes that make for a good laugh, but I personally do not feel that Lila should be doing spells on another person without their permission. I wanted to know more about Lila ,such as, how she became a witch. The book does not go into depth of any of the characters and so I was left with many questions, but perhaps this will be addressed in future books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori]

Firstly I should like to thank the author for my ARC of this book. Angela Pearse has done it again with this book, the second in London Magic series. Absolutely an easy 5 stars to award and would give more if I could. Magic, hot guys, foodies and the best comedy in a book I have read in a long time. I thought this was a hilarious rom-com and I laughed so much I got hiccups. Lila and Knox were brilliant main characters. I honestly could see them hosting a cooking show. That is how real the author wrote them. As always with Angela , the narrative was superb and all the conversations and banter absolutely brilliant. I loved the witches, a devil, spells, a cat like no other and some of the best non main characters ever written who could have their own books. I loved the first book in the series. I loved this second one even more and I am now eagerly awaiting the 3rd. I believe that fans of the author will know exactly what I am saying here. If you have not read this author please, please pick up a copy of this book which can be read as a stand alone. I would be really disappointed to learn that a new reader didn't love it as much as I did. I would be shocked. This has to be a best seller.

[Patricia S.]

Hexing the Hot Priest follows Lila, a witch who works as a barista and baker while enduring the daily misfortune of running into her ex—who just so happens to own the bakery where she works and lives above. When she enters a televised baking competition, she's paired with Knox, a charming and undeniably attractive man of the cloth (yes, a priest). Whether it's fate, magic, or a little bit of both, the two find themselves thrown together for a competition that turns into much more than either of them expected.

This was a sweet, whimsical, feel-good read with a gentle slow-burn romance. I loved the lighthearted atmosphere, the cozy baking elements, and the chemistry between the characters. The romance is definitely more of a slow burn, but the chemistry between Lila and Knox kept me invested throughout. More than anything, this book left me wanting to curl up with a pastry and finally make one of those recipes I've had saved on my Instagram reels for years.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but all opinions are my own and this review is voluntary.

[Paola]

I loved the cozy atmosphere, the coven dynamics, the baking competition, and all the baked goods. The girls' nights and the familiar completely stole the show for me and reminded me why I enjoy this author's writing so much. And Jade and Sebastian Cameo was everything, coming from reading the previous book.

While I had a fun time in this world, the romance didn't captivate me as much as I had hoped. As a slow-burn romance, I personally wanted a bit more physical development between the main characters, and I struggled with some aspects of the conflict and its resolution.

That said, this was still an enjoyable and charming read. The humor, magic, and the magical vibes made it easy to keep turning the pages. With a little more emotional depth in the romance and physical, this could easily have been a 5-star read for me but I also understand why it was the way it was.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chelsey Black]

✨️ Witch FMC
🧁 "Priest" baker MMC
✨️ Supportive girl group
🧁 Slow burn
✨️ Magical hijinks
🧁 Protective cat

This could have been better in my opinion. I found that the relationship went from "hate" to "love" out of nowhere. There was also the whole manipulation from Annora that had me just wanting to throw my kindle.

The FMC was funny and didn't back down. So i absolutely loved her using her magic to mess with him. The MMC had a huge ego and didn't like to be outdone. You do see that he had layers as well but primarily what the outside world sees is charming.

I wish that the ex and annora were shown to have some sort of actual apologies for the main characters. It just felt like they were there and poof gone.

I'm assuming the next book is going to follow the woman at the end.

I received the ARC and am giving an honest review

[J Williams]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

One of my favorite new things to watch is baking shows; they remind me of my sister, and that is a way I can always keep her close to me. When I read the description for this book, I could not resist.

Lila is a witch and a baker who enters a baking contest alongside Knox. Knox is a chef and "priest" who has a show called Heavenly Delights. He is organized, whereas Lila is chaos, well, you know what they say about opposites.

I absolutely love banter between the main characters; for me, that is what makes a book a great read, and not just a story. These two had me laughing, good thing I was not in public. Lila and Knox are so perfect together; you could feel the pull between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vima]

*** ARC Review ***
Rating 3/5 ⭐
Spice 2/5 🌶️

Thank you to Angela Pearse and team for selecting me as an ARC reviewer.


The premise of this book was very interesting, a fake priest, a baking competition, sounds like a fun mishap turned love from the get go. However, this book felt flat. The MMC could have not been a fake priest and the story wouldn't have changed. I found him to be very self-centered and misogynistic and he had no growth through the storyline. They had no real reason to hate each other, but also no reason to fall for each other. The FMCs actions felt like violations of consent (abusing the unintentional truth potion, giving him the horny cookies, etc.). The MMC overlooking that was really a turn off.

The bake off competition was absolutely hilarious and did a lot of the heavy lifting. I want more backstory of the other participants!

[Heather Kelley]

I received a digital ARC of this book. It’s book 2 in the series and picks up where book one finishes. You could technically read them out of order, but there will be spoilers to book one. Lila is a witch and a baker. Her friends encourage her to enter a baking contest that will land her on a baking show with a hot priest. Knox plays a hot priest baker, but he isn’t really a priest. Which has never been a problem until he meets Lila. I read this book in one sitting, right after reading the first book. You’ll be turning the pages to see what trouble Lila gets into with Knox. Can he keep his secret, or will Lila find out? I’m bummed book 3 of the trilogy isn’t out yet because I would go straight to that.

[ness.mos]

Sugar, spice, and playing it maybe not so nice?

Lila, a witch with a knack for hexing baked goods is determined to be on a baking show alongside the host hottie of a priest.
Knox, is the hottie host who’s tall, arrogant and unavailable, though he’d like to be when he sees Lila and those thighs.

Tell me why she wins fair and square with her submission for the show, and he decides to be a butt about it and lie. What a priest.

Eventually, she’s back on for the show and let’s just say she humbles him with a little bit of help from her hexes.

A witch and a priest and a little bit of spice and banter? Do me a favor and get snacks, a drink and cozy to read Hexing the Hot Priest.

Writing style: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 ⭐️
Plot: 5/5 ⭐️

[J]

This is book 2 in Pearse's London Magic series. A great addition to this series that can be read as a standalone, that said, this book does pick up where book 1 leaves off and there are spoilers if you read out of series order. This book is delicious! Our main characters are Lila, a witch who has the ability to hex baked goods and is determined to be on a baking show with hottie priest as host, Knox. I absolutely adored the balance of sweet and spice as well as the humor and paranormal atmosphere. This book delivers it all in a well written and captivating storyline that flows perfectly. I loved this read and I am already eager for more from Pearse and this series!

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

[Angela Davidson]

The second book in a series, this did not disappoint. In fact, I actually liked it better than the first.

Lila is both interesting and relatable as a character. Loved her quirkiness and positive outlook.

I like the vulnerability written into Knox (the whole fame is great but not necessarily all it's cracked up to be vibe).

He and Lila make a good pair.

I also liked the inclusion of Lila's coven and hope we get to hear more about these characters (with Jade's story already having been in Book 1).

Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - maybe
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes

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

[De Smith]

This book definitely put a hex on me. I refused to put it down until I finished. Who needs sleep when there’s books to be read?! Not me. This story had me so invested in it. It grabbed my attention and kept it in its hold until the very end. Lila and Knox were so amazing together in this book. The connection and chemistry were off the charts between them. The push and pull created tension that was delicious and so heated. Their banter was hilarious and really had me cackling at numerous times. We got fun interactions and heated moments shared between Lila and Knox. And those got me even more invested in them as a couple. I couldn’t help but cheer for them to get everything they wanted and deserve. And the ending of this book gave me everything I wanted.