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To Vex and To Hex
Not yet published
Expected 19 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.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 19, 2026
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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!
November 9, 2026
What happens when a vengeful witch and an infuriatingly handsome man compete for control of a bookshop and the affections of its elderly owner? Apparently, an escalating series of hexes, petty arguments, and enough romantic tension to make both of them forget how adults are supposed to behave.
Lucy Ansari’s life is comfortable and pleasant working at Charles’s bookshop, where she has found a place for herself among the books and the elderly owner she adores. That peaceful existence is threatened when Charles must get a hip replacement and his grandson, Grayson, arrives from Dublin. Lucy has held a grudge against Grayson ever since he failed to attend his own grandmother’s funeral, and his exasperating good looks only make matters worse.
The sort-of secret is that Lucy is a witch. She uses her magic to help people find books they’ll love, which sounds like the perfect supernatural talent for a bookseller. Unfortunately, she also has a tendency to use her powers in ways that land her in unexpected trouble, especially when Grayson is involved.
Grayson, meanwhile, is determined to smooth things over with Lucy. He tells himself it’s simply to mend his relationship with his grandfather, but he can’t seem to stop noticing Lucy’s many distracting physical traits and charming personality. When his attempts at civility—which any reader will recognize as patronizing—fail to accomplish anything except further irritating Lucy, he essentially declares war.
What follows is an increasingly ridiculous battle between two grown adults competing for Charles’s attention. They argue over how the bookshop should be organized, who gets to help Charles, and seemingly anything else that provides an opportunity to antagonize one another. It’s silly, childish, and thoroughly entertaining.
Of course, there’s a fine line between animosity and attraction, and these two seem determined to dance all over it. Their teasing gradually reveals another kind of tension with jealousy, romantic advances, and last-minute retreats complicating their already stormy relationship. Meanwhile, the hexes and pranks escalate from hilarious to decidedly less funny, forcing them to confront the consequences of their behavior.
What makes this more than a magical battle of romantic wills is the vulnerability beneath all that bickering. Both characters struggle with communication and feelings of being unworthy of love. Their antagonism becomes a way to protect themselves from the very feelings they’re beginning to develop. There’s also an underlying theme of found family and belonging, particularly in the relationships surrounding Charles and his bookshop. For all their magical and verbal sparring, the greatest obstacle to their happiness may be their own inability to be honest with themselves and each other.
To Vex & To Hex is a delightful choice for readers who enjoy grumpy-versus-sunshine romances, enemies-to-lovers banter, forced proximity, and romantic tension that builds through one hilariously ill-advised decision after another. There’s a charming bookshop, a sprinkling of magic, and enough jealousy and miscommunication to keep this stormy duo thoroughly occupied. And while the magical setting and playful humor give the story a whimsical atmosphere, don’t mistake this for a closed-door romance. The book includes open-door romantic scenes, so readers can expect some steam alongside the spells and snark.
The audiobook adds another layer of entertainment. Maya Dhawan does a wonderful job portraying Lucy’s peppy yet vengeful personality, while John Hartley’s husky Irish-accented performance as Grayson is certainly reason enough to keep listening. Their contrasting performances complement the characters’ personalities and help bring the romantic sparring to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lucy Ansari’s life is comfortable and pleasant working at Charles’s bookshop, where she has found a place for herself among the books and the elderly owner she adores. That peaceful existence is threatened when Charles must get a hip replacement and his grandson, Grayson, arrives from Dublin. Lucy has held a grudge against Grayson ever since he failed to attend his own grandmother’s funeral, and his exasperating good looks only make matters worse.
The sort-of secret is that Lucy is a witch. She uses her magic to help people find books they’ll love, which sounds like the perfect supernatural talent for a bookseller. Unfortunately, she also has a tendency to use her powers in ways that land her in unexpected trouble, especially when Grayson is involved.
Grayson, meanwhile, is determined to smooth things over with Lucy. He tells himself it’s simply to mend his relationship with his grandfather, but he can’t seem to stop noticing Lucy’s many distracting physical traits and charming personality. When his attempts at civility—which any reader will recognize as patronizing—fail to accomplish anything except further irritating Lucy, he essentially declares war.
What follows is an increasingly ridiculous battle between two grown adults competing for Charles’s attention. They argue over how the bookshop should be organized, who gets to help Charles, and seemingly anything else that provides an opportunity to antagonize one another. It’s silly, childish, and thoroughly entertaining.
Of course, there’s a fine line between animosity and attraction, and these two seem determined to dance all over it. Their teasing gradually reveals another kind of tension with jealousy, romantic advances, and last-minute retreats complicating their already stormy relationship. Meanwhile, the hexes and pranks escalate from hilarious to decidedly less funny, forcing them to confront the consequences of their behavior.
What makes this more than a magical battle of romantic wills is the vulnerability beneath all that bickering. Both characters struggle with communication and feelings of being unworthy of love. Their antagonism becomes a way to protect themselves from the very feelings they’re beginning to develop. There’s also an underlying theme of found family and belonging, particularly in the relationships surrounding Charles and his bookshop. For all their magical and verbal sparring, the greatest obstacle to their happiness may be their own inability to be honest with themselves and each other.
To Vex & To Hex is a delightful choice for readers who enjoy grumpy-versus-sunshine romances, enemies-to-lovers banter, forced proximity, and romantic tension that builds through one hilariously ill-advised decision after another. There’s a charming bookshop, a sprinkling of magic, and enough jealousy and miscommunication to keep this stormy duo thoroughly occupied. And while the magical setting and playful humor give the story a whimsical atmosphere, don’t mistake this for a closed-door romance. The book includes open-door romantic scenes, so readers can expect some steam alongside the spells and snark.
The audiobook adds another layer of entertainment. Maya Dhawan does a wonderful job portraying Lucy’s peppy yet vengeful personality, while John Hartley’s husky Irish-accented performance as Grayson is certainly reason enough to keep listening. Their contrasting performances complement the characters’ personalities and help bring the romantic sparring to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To Vex & To Hex by Neena Noon
Contemporary paranormal romance. Witches. NA.
Lucy Ansari is the manager of a New York bookstore. She loves to connect readers with the perfect book for them, often using book magic to help make that connection. When her boss ends up in the hospital, his grandson comes home from Ireland to run the bookstore. Lucy and Grayson have very different ideas on everything from the store design to the care of the owner. They have to make peace and figure it out and if attraction gets in the way, then why not make that work too?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is performed by Maya Dhawan and John Hartley in alternating POV chapters. Both did a very good job making the audiobook compelling with emotions and energy. Hartley performs with distinct voices for the MCs, with Grayson in an Irish accent and Lucy in a U.S. approx New York accent. His back title list has over 175 audiobooks, and his experience shows in his chapters. Dhawan’s voice is strong and compelling though there isn’t much difference between the two MC voices.
I enjoyed the romance with the usual new adult insecurities and the growing attraction between them. I loved the book references and the caring for Charles between the two. The magic is soft with decorating and hi-jinx used the most often.
A sweet to spicy romance as the two find a place in each other’s hearts and learn to “share” Charles.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Contemporary paranormal romance. Witches. NA.
Lucy Ansari is the manager of a New York bookstore. She loves to connect readers with the perfect book for them, often using book magic to help make that connection. When her boss ends up in the hospital, his grandson comes home from Ireland to run the bookstore. Lucy and Grayson have very different ideas on everything from the store design to the care of the owner. They have to make peace and figure it out and if attraction gets in the way, then why not make that work too?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is performed by Maya Dhawan and John Hartley in alternating POV chapters. Both did a very good job making the audiobook compelling with emotions and energy. Hartley performs with distinct voices for the MCs, with Grayson in an Irish accent and Lucy in a U.S. approx New York accent. His back title list has over 175 audiobooks, and his experience shows in his chapters. Dhawan’s voice is strong and compelling though there isn’t much difference between the two MC voices.
I enjoyed the romance with the usual new adult insecurities and the growing attraction between them. I loved the book references and the caring for Charles between the two. The magic is soft with decorating and hi-jinx used the most often.
A sweet to spicy romance as the two find a place in each other’s hearts and learn to “share” Charles.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
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 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
October 11, 2026
Lucy Ansari is a witch who runs a bookstore with her boss and friend, Charles. When Charles breaks his hip, Lucy is surprised when his grandson, Grayson, arrives after never visiting before and suddenly wants to help Charles and the store. From the start, Lucy and Grayson clash, each trying to outlast the other and see who will leave the bookstore first. As things heat up between them, sparks begin to fly.
This was a fun, witchy romance, and I enjoyed a lot about it, especially the found family and enemies-to-lovers themes. It was fun to see Lucy and Grayson try to outdo each other with their hexing and vexing. Still, I sometimes found the characters frustrating. Grayson could be childish, wanting Lucy to leave so he could have his grandfather to himself, and he tried to take over her job even though he didn’t know anything about running a bookstore. Lucy wasn’t always easy to like either; she often treated Grayson badly. Even though Charles was glad to meet his grandson, she was just as stubborn about wanting Grayson to leave. I’m also not a fan of the miscommunication trope, so I thought a lot of the conflict could have been avoided if they just talked to each other.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and believe the narrators did a fantastic job. I just don’t believe these characters were for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review To Hex and To Vex. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a fun, witchy romance, and I enjoyed a lot about it, especially the found family and enemies-to-lovers themes. It was fun to see Lucy and Grayson try to outdo each other with their hexing and vexing. Still, I sometimes found the characters frustrating. Grayson could be childish, wanting Lucy to leave so he could have his grandfather to himself, and he tried to take over her job even though he didn’t know anything about running a bookstore. Lucy wasn’t always easy to like either; she often treated Grayson badly. Even though Charles was glad to meet his grandson, she was just as stubborn about wanting Grayson to leave. I’m also not a fan of the miscommunication trope, so I thought a lot of the conflict could have been avoided if they just talked to each other.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and believe the narrators did a fantastic job. I just don’t believe these characters were for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review To Hex and To Vex. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i fear the biggest spell cast in this book was the one that made everyone forget how to act their age 😓
i really wanted this one to be a cozy little romance with some magical charm, but unfortunately, i spent most of my reading experience wondering how two grown adults could behave this way??
Lucy and Grayson are supposed to be giving us enemies to lovers, with a bookstore, magic, and plenty of opportunities for banter. instead, i got two people who seemed to have the emotional maturity of teenagers. and i mean that in the most frustrating way possible. if there’s one thing i cannot stand, it’s characters who are supposedly grown adults but act like they’re in middle school????? make it make sense
and Lucy. oh. Lucy. 🙂🙂 i wanted to find something to like about this girl, but her attitude made it nearly impossible. there is a difference between being feisty and having a personality that makes you want to walk in the opposite direction. her treatment of Grayson went beyond playful teasing for me, and i found myself getting increasingly irritated rather than entertained. and ummm... Grayson wasn’t exactly winning any awards either. 😭 between his attitude, constant defensiveness, and tendency to place blame on quite literally anyone but himself, i just couldn’t connect with either of them 😭
also, can we please stop calling every romance with two characters who childishly annoy each other enemies to lovers? the tension never really had the substance to support the trope, and so much of their back-and-forth honestly just felt unnecessarily petty and dumb💀
then there’s the romance itself. the constant two steps forward, three steps backward routine became EXHAUSTING. every time i thought we were finally getting somewhere, someone would panic, something would get misunderstood, and we’d be right back where we started. and the miscommunication? GOOD GRIEF. apparently having one honest conversation was simply not an option. so much of the conflict could have been avoided if these two would just FREAKING TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!! UGHHHHJSUSVSUXBSHSBS
i genuinely came close to DNFing this one, and by the end, i was more than ready to close the book. i went in hoping for a charming, magical romance with a fun enemies to lovers dynamic, but the characters, repetitive relationship drama, and endless misunderstandings completely overshadowed what could have been an enjoyable premise 🤷🏼♀️
i really wanted this one to be a cozy little romance with some magical charm, but unfortunately, i spent most of my reading experience wondering how two grown adults could behave this way??
Lucy and Grayson are supposed to be giving us enemies to lovers, with a bookstore, magic, and plenty of opportunities for banter. instead, i got two people who seemed to have the emotional maturity of teenagers. and i mean that in the most frustrating way possible. if there’s one thing i cannot stand, it’s characters who are supposedly grown adults but act like they’re in middle school????? make it make sense
and Lucy. oh. Lucy. 🙂🙂 i wanted to find something to like about this girl, but her attitude made it nearly impossible. there is a difference between being feisty and having a personality that makes you want to walk in the opposite direction. her treatment of Grayson went beyond playful teasing for me, and i found myself getting increasingly irritated rather than entertained. and ummm... Grayson wasn’t exactly winning any awards either. 😭 between his attitude, constant defensiveness, and tendency to place blame on quite literally anyone but himself, i just couldn’t connect with either of them 😭
also, can we please stop calling every romance with two characters who childishly annoy each other enemies to lovers? the tension never really had the substance to support the trope, and so much of their back-and-forth honestly just felt unnecessarily petty and dumb💀
then there’s the romance itself. the constant two steps forward, three steps backward routine became EXHAUSTING. every time i thought we were finally getting somewhere, someone would panic, something would get misunderstood, and we’d be right back where we started. and the miscommunication? GOOD GRIEF. apparently having one honest conversation was simply not an option. so much of the conflict could have been avoided if these two would just FREAKING TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!! UGHHHHJSUSVSUXBSHSBS
i genuinely came close to DNFing this one, and by the end, i was more than ready to close the book. i went in hoping for a charming, magical romance with a fun enemies to lovers dynamic, but the characters, repetitive relationship drama, and endless misunderstandings completely overshadowed what could have been an enjoyable premise 🤷🏼♀️
November 4, 2026
Just finished immersive reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, To Vex & To Hex. This is about Lucy, she is a witch and she works at the town's cozy bookshop, using her magic to help people find the perfect books. She absolutely loves her job and her boss, he is like a grandfather to her but when he gets injured, Lucy has no idea that life as she knows it is about to change. When her boss's grandson Grayson arrives he begins changing everything; saying he's running the bookstore now, changing things in the store, and taking care of his grandfather when he hasn't been around, doesn't visit, and hasn't even talked to his grandfather in years. Lucy and Grayson have a very rough start but they are trying to work together for the sake of her boss/his grandfather, even though they can't stand each other. And yet despite everything, there is attraction growing between them that they are trying as hard as they can to ignore.
This was such a fun paranormal romcom! This was such a cozy, sweet, and entertaining read. It had me laughing out loud at their banter and pranks, the back and forth between them was so well written, I just adored this storyline and these characters so much! I really enjoyed immersive reading this and the narrators did a really great job bringing this story to life! This was just such a wonderful fall read! 💜📚
Thank you to Neena Noon, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for this eARC and ALC of To Vex & To Hex, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun paranormal romcom! This was such a cozy, sweet, and entertaining read. It had me laughing out loud at their banter and pranks, the back and forth between them was so well written, I just adored this storyline and these characters so much! I really enjoyed immersive reading this and the narrators did a really great job bringing this story to life! This was just such a wonderful fall read! 💜📚
Thank you to Neena Noon, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for this eARC and ALC of To Vex & To Hex, in exchange for an honest review.
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.
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.
Read
November 7, 2026Lucy Ansari, a witch, has found refuge in a charming bookshop. When the bookshop owner, Charles, is recovering from a fall, his prickly grandson Grayson comes to take care of him. Grayson hasn't been in Charles's life for over a decade, and Lucy is skeptical of his motives, even though Grayson claims to be looking to reconnect with his grandfather.
I wanted to give this book a try because it's a South Asian author and it sounded like a charming read. Unfortunately, this book is not for me, and I DNFed at 25%. Lucy, as an FMC just two years out of college is too young for me to read in general, and paired with Grayson who is a college professor the age gap doesn't work for me. That said, I think there are a lot of [younger] readers this book will likely work for!
On the other hand, John Hartley, the narrator for Grayson has an excellent accent, and I kept listening a little longer than I might have otherwise. Maya Dhawan is the narrator for Lucy, and she pairs nicely with Hartley. The audiobook is a dual narration, third person.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for an ALC. To Vex & to Hex is out 11/3/2026.
I wanted to give this book a try because it's a South Asian author and it sounded like a charming read. Unfortunately, this book is not for me, and I DNFed at 25%. Lucy, as an FMC just two years out of college is too young for me to read in general, and paired with Grayson who is a college professor the age gap doesn't work for me. That said, I think there are a lot of [younger] readers this book will likely work for!
On the other hand, John Hartley, the narrator for Grayson has an excellent accent, and I kept listening a little longer than I might have otherwise. Maya Dhawan is the narrator for Lucy, and she pairs nicely with Hartley. The audiobook is a dual narration, third person.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for an ALC. To Vex & to Hex is out 11/3/2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
mann i wanted sooo badly to love this book but i was fighting for my life to get attached to these characters :((
i wish they had more moments of just enjoying each others company cause it felt like they were just either messing with each other or fucking lmao... genuinely the time in which grayson was sick was my favourite by far - the true vulnerability there was actually so soooo sweet!! i just wish we just got more of the fluff alongside the spice
on a positive note - i really loved the narrators! if theres one thing that will get me every time, its a good accent oh my goddd did they deliver! they really pushed this story forward and delivered the prose perfectly - i could feel the emotions of our characters and it was so fun to listen to. ill definitely be running to check out more of these narrators works!
thank you so much to netgalley and macmillan audio for providing me with this audiobook - this review has been written voluntarily and contains my honest thoughts and opinions!
i wish they had more moments of just enjoying each others company cause it felt like they were just either messing with each other or fucking lmao... genuinely the time in which grayson was sick was my favourite by far - the true vulnerability there was actually so soooo sweet!! i just wish we just got more of the fluff alongside the spice
on a positive note - i really loved the narrators! if theres one thing that will get me every time, its a good accent oh my goddd did they deliver! they really pushed this story forward and delivered the prose perfectly - i could feel the emotions of our characters and it was so fun to listen to. ill definitely be running to check out more of these narrators works!
thank you so much to netgalley and macmillan audio for providing me with this audiobook - this review has been written voluntarily and contains my honest thoughts and opinions!
November 9, 2026
I was kinda charmed at the beginning of this book but found it hard to move through as the plot was just made up problems in the characters heads. I also think that we need to coin a new category of books "cozy slop". Half of this book served just to make you feel warm and cozy (which I don't know if it even succeeded because it felt so forced). The main character has every "cozy" hobby and her entire world was just cozy.
I was so excited to see a blonde main male character (blonde enthusiasts stand up ✊) but I just did not like him... Sorry...
Also this was supposed to be an "enemies to lovers" but the reason they were enemies just felt not grounded enough. They only really connected because the man was so attracted to her that he kinda just saw past all the ass hole behavior she was serving up.
I was so excited to see a blonde main male character (blonde enthusiasts stand up ✊) but I just did not like him... Sorry...
Also this was supposed to be an "enemies to lovers" but the reason they were enemies just felt not grounded enough. They only really connected because the man was so attracted to her that he kinda just saw past all the ass hole behavior she was serving up.
November 9, 2026
⟡ Thank you for the free audiobook, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio + the free book, SMP Romance.
This cozy romantasy about a bookseller witch was a fun choice for fall. With its quirky cast and slow-burn romance, it had plenty of seasonal charm. I especially enjoyed listening to narrators John Hartley and Maya Dhawan bring this whimsical story to life.
This cozy romantasy about a bookseller witch was a fun choice for fall. With its quirky cast and slow-burn romance, it had plenty of seasonal charm. I especially enjoyed listening to narrators John Hartley and Maya Dhawan bring this whimsical story to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Looking for a cozy romance with tension and whimsy, To Vex & To Hex is the perfect book. Found family, rivals to lovers, light witch magic surrounding a bookshop, small town vibes, and holiday magic. It's the perfect book to settle down with on a cold fall day.
Lucy is a witch and the manager of the small town bookshop, Crawley's Books, where she's worked for the past eight years. She's extremely close to the owner, Charles Crawley, and is a bit hurt when she discovers that his emergency contact is his grandson and not her. Lucy discovers this bit of information when Charles falls, breaks his hip and Grayson arrives disrupting everything in Lucy's orderly life. It is the beginning of a rival battle to not only see who is important in Charles' life, but who runs the bookstore better.
I could see this book playing out in my mind like the most adorable romcom movie. There is something about rivals to lovers that I love seeing adapted to screen, especially when schenanigans are involved and there were plenty in this book. It didn't take long to see that Charles had no trouble instigating this couple on their path to vexing and hexing, perhaps he saw a bit of himself and his late wife in the mischievious pair, whatever it was Grayson and Lucy may have turned their games a bit childish at times, but their antics made me laugh nonetheless. Like I said, I could see this book playing out on screen so it was certainly well written.
Did I believe for one moment, that they could turn their enemies to lovers off and on like a light switch...oh yes I did. These two were attracted to one another from the moment they met, it was only due to the fact that Grayson was there, "under suspicious circumstances" according to Lucy, and Grayson thought Lucy was "entirely too nosey" for just a mere employee. Of course given time together they were bound to change their minds, but pride is a fickle friend, especially once lines have been drawn.
The plot delves deeper than just two people trying to outwit one another over gaining the affection of an elderly bookshop owner. It also touches on grief, loneliness, and abandonment which offsets a lot of the silliness that is woven throughout this cozy fall romcom. I enjoyed reading my first book by Neena Noon and look forward to coming across more of her works in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
Lucy is a witch and the manager of the small town bookshop, Crawley's Books, where she's worked for the past eight years. She's extremely close to the owner, Charles Crawley, and is a bit hurt when she discovers that his emergency contact is his grandson and not her. Lucy discovers this bit of information when Charles falls, breaks his hip and Grayson arrives disrupting everything in Lucy's orderly life. It is the beginning of a rival battle to not only see who is important in Charles' life, but who runs the bookstore better.
I could see this book playing out in my mind like the most adorable romcom movie. There is something about rivals to lovers that I love seeing adapted to screen, especially when schenanigans are involved and there were plenty in this book. It didn't take long to see that Charles had no trouble instigating this couple on their path to vexing and hexing, perhaps he saw a bit of himself and his late wife in the mischievious pair, whatever it was Grayson and Lucy may have turned their games a bit childish at times, but their antics made me laugh nonetheless. Like I said, I could see this book playing out on screen so it was certainly well written.
Did I believe for one moment, that they could turn their enemies to lovers off and on like a light switch...oh yes I did. These two were attracted to one another from the moment they met, it was only due to the fact that Grayson was there, "under suspicious circumstances" according to Lucy, and Grayson thought Lucy was "entirely too nosey" for just a mere employee. Of course given time together they were bound to change their minds, but pride is a fickle friend, especially once lines have been drawn.
The plot delves deeper than just two people trying to outwit one another over gaining the affection of an elderly bookshop owner. It also touches on grief, loneliness, and abandonment which offsets a lot of the silliness that is woven throughout this cozy fall romcom. I enjoyed reading my first book by Neena Noon and look forward to coming across more of her works in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This is my first book by this author but I am a seasoned contemporary romance reader who enjoys witchy magic stories and some spice!
Initial Thoughts:
This is cute! I’m curious to see how these two play against each other and how her magic is used. I love the little bookstore and the town and the unique backstory.
Spice Level:
This is pretty spicy. It takes a bit to happen but once it does the scenes are pretty regular and very graphically detailed. There is also some “rough” kink with hair pulling, biting, and spanking etc
Characters:
Lucy is a big yes for me. I love these sunshiney characters who embrace who they are and honor it. She loves being a bookseller who finds people the book that is meant for them. She loves taking care of Charles, and adores the town and the people she has come to see as family. I love her positivity for others and her loyalty.
Grayson is a stuff upper lip type professor who comes home after years abroad in Ireland to a bit of an icy reception and he sure doesn’t do much to help himself! He is guarded and unwilling to pit effort into something he can’t see the outcome of. His stubbornness wholes him back and when he finally realizes it, he has a lot to atone for.
Romance and Chemistry:
They have a slow burn, enemies to lovers, high tension, and overwhelming sexual attraction to each other. Even through their “hate” you van feel the need radiating off of them! It’s a hard won battle but when they finally put their issues aside, they are a perfect match.
Writing Style and Pacing:
This was a unique writing style. I have read a few authors who are Pakistani and it is always enjoyable to see representation and discover different viewpoints. The pacing was well done with the time passing organically and the writing had a distinct and enjoyable voice.
Setting and Vibes:
A small town on Long Island, NY mainly in the small bookshop where they work and the Mexican restaurant on the same little Main Street. There are allay a full year of seasons depicted and you get to see the beauty of fall, winter, spring and summer.
Content and Triggers:
Generational relationship problems
Final thoughts:
This was a fun little read and I would happily pick up another book by this author. If you like enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, witchy magic, witty banter, cozy rom com vibes, and some yummy spice- this is a perfect choice for you!
Ratings:
3.5/5
3/5 spice
This is my first book by this author but I am a seasoned contemporary romance reader who enjoys witchy magic stories and some spice!
Initial Thoughts:
This is cute! I’m curious to see how these two play against each other and how her magic is used. I love the little bookstore and the town and the unique backstory.
Spice Level:
This is pretty spicy. It takes a bit to happen but once it does the scenes are pretty regular and very graphically detailed. There is also some “rough” kink with hair pulling, biting, and spanking etc
Characters:
Lucy is a big yes for me. I love these sunshiney characters who embrace who they are and honor it. She loves being a bookseller who finds people the book that is meant for them. She loves taking care of Charles, and adores the town and the people she has come to see as family. I love her positivity for others and her loyalty.
Grayson is a stuff upper lip type professor who comes home after years abroad in Ireland to a bit of an icy reception and he sure doesn’t do much to help himself! He is guarded and unwilling to pit effort into something he can’t see the outcome of. His stubbornness wholes him back and when he finally realizes it, he has a lot to atone for.
Romance and Chemistry:
They have a slow burn, enemies to lovers, high tension, and overwhelming sexual attraction to each other. Even through their “hate” you van feel the need radiating off of them! It’s a hard won battle but when they finally put their issues aside, they are a perfect match.
Writing Style and Pacing:
This was a unique writing style. I have read a few authors who are Pakistani and it is always enjoyable to see representation and discover different viewpoints. The pacing was well done with the time passing organically and the writing had a distinct and enjoyable voice.
Setting and Vibes:
A small town on Long Island, NY mainly in the small bookshop where they work and the Mexican restaurant on the same little Main Street. There are allay a full year of seasons depicted and you get to see the beauty of fall, winter, spring and summer.
Content and Triggers:
Generational relationship problems
Final thoughts:
This was a fun little read and I would happily pick up another book by this author. If you like enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, witchy magic, witty banter, cozy rom com vibes, and some yummy spice- this is a perfect choice for you!
Ratings:
3.5/5
3/5 spice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For years Lucinda “Lucy” Ansari has worked at Crawley Books, first in high school and college, and then on weekends after she got a corporate job. And when she lost that job, she worked there full-time as the manager, much to her overachieving parent’s dismay, but working at the bookstore and baking is what makes Lucy happy, that and her deep friendship with Charles Crawley, the elderly owner and fellow witch. Everything was going well until Charles fell and broke his hip, requiring surgery. And instead of call her, they called his grandson, Grayson in Ireland and that is when everything started going south. He is handsome, smart and annoying, and she will do anything to get rid of him…
Professor Grayson Crawley has been living in Ireland with his uncle for most of his life. His parents died when he was just six years old and he stayed with his grandparents for about a year, before he was sent to Ireland to live with his uncle and he hasn’t been back since. When the hospital called about his grandfather, he took a sabbatical and came to the States to help him, hoping to get answers and maybe even renew their relationship, but instead of a warm welcome, he is greeted by his grandfather’s employee and apparently very good friend, Lucy, who also is a witch, something that Grayson is not, despite his mother being one. He is convinced that Lucy is stopping him from having a real relationship with his grandfather and decides she needs to go…
I really wanted to love this book and it started with promise, but as the story progressed, the characters seemed to regress. Lucy and Grayson act like middle schoolers for most of the book, they are immature, petty and annoying. They both have insecurities and long for a true family bond, which could have been something that brought them together, instead they become jealous of each other and act like idiots. Even after Charles gets upset with them and they call a truce, they continue to behave like children, except when they are getting hot and heavy with each other – until they aren’t. By the end of this book, I was sick of both of them and didn’t care what happened and while the idea was cute and there was spice, the constant back and forth pettiness just ruined the book for me. And I couldn’t help but wonder why doesn’t anyone in this book celebrate Christmas or any other holiday? Overall, I didn’t hate the book, but I wouldn’t read it again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC/ALC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Professor Grayson Crawley has been living in Ireland with his uncle for most of his life. His parents died when he was just six years old and he stayed with his grandparents for about a year, before he was sent to Ireland to live with his uncle and he hasn’t been back since. When the hospital called about his grandfather, he took a sabbatical and came to the States to help him, hoping to get answers and maybe even renew their relationship, but instead of a warm welcome, he is greeted by his grandfather’s employee and apparently very good friend, Lucy, who also is a witch, something that Grayson is not, despite his mother being one. He is convinced that Lucy is stopping him from having a real relationship with his grandfather and decides she needs to go…
I really wanted to love this book and it started with promise, but as the story progressed, the characters seemed to regress. Lucy and Grayson act like middle schoolers for most of the book, they are immature, petty and annoying. They both have insecurities and long for a true family bond, which could have been something that brought them together, instead they become jealous of each other and act like idiots. Even after Charles gets upset with them and they call a truce, they continue to behave like children, except when they are getting hot and heavy with each other – until they aren’t. By the end of this book, I was sick of both of them and didn’t care what happened and while the idea was cute and there was spice, the constant back and forth pettiness just ruined the book for me. And I couldn’t help but wonder why doesn’t anyone in this book celebrate Christmas or any other holiday? Overall, I didn’t hate the book, but I wouldn’t read it again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC/ALC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
November 8, 2026
Netgalley Review
Settle in for this spicy fantasy read. I was hooked from the beginning right through to the end!
The author takes us on this journey using long chapters that allow us to fully immerse ourselves before moving on to the next part. Each chapter had the name of the character whose perspective we were reading from. I enjoyed seeing the story from both sides. We could see what the other character couldn't and I willed them to make things right between themselves. There was a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication throughout the book which slowed the progress of their relationship and added tension to the story.
There was an interesting flow to the book created by the swapping of character perspectives. We did, however, move through the story well and at a good pace and I quite happily sat and read it for long periods of time. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session, eager to see when the main characters would make up from their latest disagreement. You were certainly kept on your toes!
In addition to the miscommunication, the pace was also slowed down by all of the spicy scenes. For me there was more spice than there needed to be, but the surrounding story was engaging enough to keep my interest.
The characters brought tension and the will they, won't they to the story. Every time things seemed to be going well something happened and we were back to square one.
There were however, some nice moments between the characters, with the main characters obviously having had difficult pasts. It was interesting to see how their pasts shaped how they were dealing with their current relationships.
Finally we come to the settings. Whilst it was a character driven story, there were some nice descriptions that brought the story to life. I enjoyed the magical element and the cosy bookshop setting.
Overall an engaging fantasy read, but with a lot of spice. Perfect for Romantasy fans who like plenty of spice.
Settle in for this spicy fantasy read. I was hooked from the beginning right through to the end!
The author takes us on this journey using long chapters that allow us to fully immerse ourselves before moving on to the next part. Each chapter had the name of the character whose perspective we were reading from. I enjoyed seeing the story from both sides. We could see what the other character couldn't and I willed them to make things right between themselves. There was a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication throughout the book which slowed the progress of their relationship and added tension to the story.
There was an interesting flow to the book created by the swapping of character perspectives. We did, however, move through the story well and at a good pace and I quite happily sat and read it for long periods of time. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session, eager to see when the main characters would make up from their latest disagreement. You were certainly kept on your toes!
In addition to the miscommunication, the pace was also slowed down by all of the spicy scenes. For me there was more spice than there needed to be, but the surrounding story was engaging enough to keep my interest.
The characters brought tension and the will they, won't they to the story. Every time things seemed to be going well something happened and we were back to square one.
There were however, some nice moments between the characters, with the main characters obviously having had difficult pasts. It was interesting to see how their pasts shaped how they were dealing with their current relationships.
Finally we come to the settings. Whilst it was a character driven story, there were some nice descriptions that brought the story to life. I enjoyed the magical element and the cosy bookshop setting.
Overall an engaging fantasy read, but with a lot of spice. Perfect for Romantasy fans who like plenty of spice.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
To Vex & To Hex 📖✨Review ✨
thank you @youhadmeathea @macmillan.audio for the free audiobook!
To Vex & To Hex
by Neena Noon
with Narrator John Hartley (Narrator); Maya Dhawan (Narrator)
out 11/3/26!
About the book 👇🏽
BOOKS. MAGIC. ROMANCE.
Lucy Ansari has a magical life. Literally ― she’s a witch, managing a perfect little bookshop. And whenever she's a little lonely, she turns to Charles ― her beloved, ageing boss ― to keep her company.
Disaster strikes when Charles breaks his hip: his prickly (and gorgeous) grandson Grayson arrives. The English professor from Dublin has never bothered to visit before, but now he’s determined to look after Charles and his bookshop, and Lucy’s ideal life is thrown into disarray.
But Grayson is as stubborn as he is handsome, and he’s set on winning Lucy over, one way or another. As sparks fly between them, Lucy and Grayson may find themselves spellbound by more than just magic…
📖 My thoughts:
Give me a witch, a bookshop, and a grumpy, man, and I’m going to devour it! This story was a cozy escape perfect for my reading mood. It really made me want to curl up with a blanket and a warm drink .. which I did do. The narrators were great and made the experience all the better. Lucy’s perfectly ordered life getting turned upside down by Grayson gave plenty of sparks and romantic tension. I mean… you really can’t go wrong with a love story that begins in a bookshop and has a little magic. A wonderful steamy debut if you ask me!
Happy reading 📖✨💜
thank you @youhadmeathea @macmillan.audio for the free audiobook!
To Vex & To Hex
by Neena Noon
with Narrator John Hartley (Narrator); Maya Dhawan (Narrator)
out 11/3/26!
About the book 👇🏽
BOOKS. MAGIC. ROMANCE.
Lucy Ansari has a magical life. Literally ― she’s a witch, managing a perfect little bookshop. And whenever she's a little lonely, she turns to Charles ― her beloved, ageing boss ― to keep her company.
Disaster strikes when Charles breaks his hip: his prickly (and gorgeous) grandson Grayson arrives. The English professor from Dublin has never bothered to visit before, but now he’s determined to look after Charles and his bookshop, and Lucy’s ideal life is thrown into disarray.
But Grayson is as stubborn as he is handsome, and he’s set on winning Lucy over, one way or another. As sparks fly between them, Lucy and Grayson may find themselves spellbound by more than just magic…
📖 My thoughts:
Give me a witch, a bookshop, and a grumpy, man, and I’m going to devour it! This story was a cozy escape perfect for my reading mood. It really made me want to curl up with a blanket and a warm drink .. which I did do. The narrators were great and made the experience all the better. Lucy’s perfectly ordered life getting turned upside down by Grayson gave plenty of sparks and romantic tension. I mean… you really can’t go wrong with a love story that begins in a bookshop and has a little magic. A wonderful steamy debut if you ask me!
Happy reading 📖✨💜
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy!
English Professor Grayson and Cozy Bookshop Manager Lucy Ansari have spent much of their life alone.
Grayson has convinced himself that he's happy with a half-lived life in Ireland where he arrived to after his parents' untimely death as a child. Lucy has created her own happiness tucked away into a bookshop owned by Grayson's grandfather, but when the latter becomes injured after a fall, Grayson travels home to heal old wounds and help run the bookshop that Lucy has worked hard to create something of her life with.
Off the rip, Lucy and Grayson loathe each other. Lucy believes that Grayson abandoned Charles in his time of need, after his wifes passing, and Grayson sees Lucy as a barrier from allowing him to get closer to his grandfather, salvaging a severed relationship with one of his last living family members.
Through witchy shenanigans, which I found entirely adorable, and lighthearted pranks, our main characters dance around each other trying to find balance in their own chaos and loneliness. Lucy's book magic, her knack for baked goods, the small town charm and being introduced to other characters in the town that make the place so special, all of these things were highlights to our story and helped to shape it into a perfectly cozy autumn tale of found family.
I agree with other reviews here that there was a lot of miscommunication, however I didn't really find it excessive. I think both of our main characters have spent a lot of time trying to find companionship in people and things, and this has caused them to become mistrusting and cautious whenever it comes to relationships. That's evident in the way that they convince themselves repeatedly that their paranoia was correct; that they would always be alone and never chosen. I think a lot of people can relate to this feeling and the fear that comes with trusting. Expressing this was done well, in my opinion, and the author clearly knows a lot about finding magic and hope in things that are easier to trust than human beings.
The only thing that I wish was more explored was magic as a structure for the story. I loved reading about Lucy's book magic and seeing how Charles used his so casually but it felt a little bit like it had no history. However, I understand wanting to focus on the relationships rather than making the entire story about magic.
I loved this debut and would be glad to read more of Neena's work going forward!
Recommended for lovers of:
♥ Forced Proximity
♥ Lighthearted Magic
♥ Enemies to Lovers
♥ Cozy Bookshops
♥ Found Family
♥ Miscommunication
♥ Grump x Sunshine
English Professor Grayson and Cozy Bookshop Manager Lucy Ansari have spent much of their life alone.
Grayson has convinced himself that he's happy with a half-lived life in Ireland where he arrived to after his parents' untimely death as a child. Lucy has created her own happiness tucked away into a bookshop owned by Grayson's grandfather, but when the latter becomes injured after a fall, Grayson travels home to heal old wounds and help run the bookshop that Lucy has worked hard to create something of her life with.
Off the rip, Lucy and Grayson loathe each other. Lucy believes that Grayson abandoned Charles in his time of need, after his wifes passing, and Grayson sees Lucy as a barrier from allowing him to get closer to his grandfather, salvaging a severed relationship with one of his last living family members.
Through witchy shenanigans, which I found entirely adorable, and lighthearted pranks, our main characters dance around each other trying to find balance in their own chaos and loneliness. Lucy's book magic, her knack for baked goods, the small town charm and being introduced to other characters in the town that make the place so special, all of these things were highlights to our story and helped to shape it into a perfectly cozy autumn tale of found family.
I agree with other reviews here that there was a lot of miscommunication, however I didn't really find it excessive. I think both of our main characters have spent a lot of time trying to find companionship in people and things, and this has caused them to become mistrusting and cautious whenever it comes to relationships. That's evident in the way that they convince themselves repeatedly that their paranoia was correct; that they would always be alone and never chosen. I think a lot of people can relate to this feeling and the fear that comes with trusting. Expressing this was done well, in my opinion, and the author clearly knows a lot about finding magic and hope in things that are easier to trust than human beings.
The only thing that I wish was more explored was magic as a structure for the story. I loved reading about Lucy's book magic and seeing how Charles used his so casually but it felt a little bit like it had no history. However, I understand wanting to focus on the relationships rather than making the entire story about magic.
I loved this debut and would be glad to read more of Neena's work going forward!
Recommended for lovers of:
♥ Forced Proximity
♥ Lighthearted Magic
♥ Enemies to Lovers
♥ Cozy Bookshops
♥ Found Family
♥ Miscommunication
♥ Grump x Sunshine
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a perfect fall read with a cozy bookstore with hints of magic. Lucy has been living at home since being laid off her job and working at the local bookstore owned by 80 year old Charles.
I love how Charles has given Lucy free range to the bookstore from selling her baked goods and flowers to giving the bookstore the best cozy vibes.
Charles breaks his hip and requires surgery and now Lucy is trying to help Charles and run the bookstore. That is until the arrival of Grayson, Charles' grandson to help his grandpa.
They immediately start off very contentious with Lucy thinking Grayson wanting to take over the bookstore to Grayson feeling jealous of the close relationship between Lucy and Grayson.
They bump heads basically with everything that needs to be done. Slowly, Lucy starts knowing Grayson and realize that he is not the villain she thought he was.
I love the tension and banter between the two. The magic element was a lot of fun as well. Lucy's issues with her parents' expectations and Grayson's feelings towards his grandpa felt very real.
I appreciate the dual POV and narration by John Hartley and Maya Dhawan was perfect. They brought the tension to life.
This was a fun debut magical romance. Thank you @macmillan.audio for the audiobook.
I love how Charles has given Lucy free range to the bookstore from selling her baked goods and flowers to giving the bookstore the best cozy vibes.
Charles breaks his hip and requires surgery and now Lucy is trying to help Charles and run the bookstore. That is until the arrival of Grayson, Charles' grandson to help his grandpa.
They immediately start off very contentious with Lucy thinking Grayson wanting to take over the bookstore to Grayson feeling jealous of the close relationship between Lucy and Grayson.
They bump heads basically with everything that needs to be done. Slowly, Lucy starts knowing Grayson and realize that he is not the villain she thought he was.
I love the tension and banter between the two. The magic element was a lot of fun as well. Lucy's issues with her parents' expectations and Grayson's feelings towards his grandpa felt very real.
I appreciate the dual POV and narration by John Hartley and Maya Dhawan was perfect. They brought the tension to life.
This was a fun debut magical romance. Thank you @macmillan.audio for the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I won a copy of this arc and was excited because it's a cozy, witchy romance perfect for spooky season.
The dominant tropes of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and trauma based assumptions aren't my favorites and both main characters embodied both. They were constantly misreading situations and running on trauma patterns, which created a lot of unnecessary pain for both of them and for Charlie, the sweet elderly man who's as much a focal point of the story as the book store is.
Grayson was a pompous jerk at first and it was really hard to like him. Fortunately, as the story progresses those layers get peeled back and what's beneath is slowly revealed.
Lucy's high energy and love for life is in stark contrast to how she truly perceives herself and her desperate need for love/validation.
While this is an enjoyable read, there's a lot that seemed disjointed and didn't work well. Even the magic itself was a bit lackluster after a while. The back and forth between Grayson and Lucy was tiresome too. Just have a freaking conversation instead of doing the push-pull, pissed off dynamic over and over again.
It's a fast, somewhat fun read but could've been better.
The dominant tropes of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and trauma based assumptions aren't my favorites and both main characters embodied both. They were constantly misreading situations and running on trauma patterns, which created a lot of unnecessary pain for both of them and for Charlie, the sweet elderly man who's as much a focal point of the story as the book store is.
Grayson was a pompous jerk at first and it was really hard to like him. Fortunately, as the story progresses those layers get peeled back and what's beneath is slowly revealed.
Lucy's high energy and love for life is in stark contrast to how she truly perceives herself and her desperate need for love/validation.
While this is an enjoyable read, there's a lot that seemed disjointed and didn't work well. Even the magic itself was a bit lackluster after a while. The back and forth between Grayson and Lucy was tiresome too. Just have a freaking conversation instead of doing the push-pull, pissed off dynamic over and over again.
It's a fast, somewhat fun read but could've been better.
October 13, 2026
Honest ARC review! Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillian Audio, and Nena Noon for the ARC.
This book was as delicious as the baked goods Lucy makes! I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers, and especially when they misunderstand each other and where they’re coming from. Lucy is a witch that works at a bookstore with her “adopted” grandpa, Charles, who is also a witch. When Charles ends up in the hospital, his grandson Grayson flies in from Ireland to help. Lucy and Grayson get under each other’s skin as they try and help Charles, and eventually under each other’s clothes. I loved listening to these characters banter and with such great narrators. The writing was very descriptive and I was able to paint easy pictures in my mind. I also liked that the spice was built up to and it wasn’t immediate in the book. It showed real relationship progressions.
This book was as delicious as the baked goods Lucy makes! I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers, and especially when they misunderstand each other and where they’re coming from. Lucy is a witch that works at a bookstore with her “adopted” grandpa, Charles, who is also a witch. When Charles ends up in the hospital, his grandson Grayson flies in from Ireland to help. Lucy and Grayson get under each other’s skin as they try and help Charles, and eventually under each other’s clothes. I loved listening to these characters banter and with such great narrators. The writing was very descriptive and I was able to paint easy pictures in my mind. I also liked that the spice was built up to and it wasn’t immediate in the book. It showed real relationship progressions.
November 2, 2026
This book had the perfect formula for an incredible fall cozy read - a witch, a bookstore, and a love interest from Dublin (swoon) - but it fell short for me at times for a myriad of reasons. The first is that it took me a while to like the main character Lucy - and even by the end of the book I found I could tolerate her at best. She had moments of likability and then others where I thought she was unredeemable. The other reason this one wasn’t my favourite witchy fall reads was because of the amount of spice (the vulgarity and the amount of times both characters participated in exhibitionist sex in public places). Just not my cup of tea.
This book was compared to a witch’s guide to magical inn keeping and I have to disagree. That one was full of lovable characters/found family, magic, heart, and is one of the best cozy witch books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.
I’m sure this book has an audience - just not with me.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was compared to a witch’s guide to magical inn keeping and I have to disagree. That one was full of lovable characters/found family, magic, heart, and is one of the best cozy witch books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.
I’m sure this book has an audience - just not with me.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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November 2, 2026To Vex & To Hex by Neena Noon✴️
Standalone • Adult • Romantasy/PNR
📖320 Pages
🗓️November 3
🪄witches
🪄hate to love
🪄forced proximity
🪄workplace romance
[I received an ALC from @macmillan.audio ]
📍I was so sold on the cozy bookstore setting and the promise of rivals literally hexing and vexing one another. Add in a bit of magic, a small-town backdrop, and a romance built on constant bickering, and this felt like it was written for readers who love comfort reads with a paranormal twist.
📍The bookstore felt warm and inviting, the small town setting had plenty of charm, and the love of books woven throughout the story was impossible not to appreciate. Beneath the romance, the novel also explores grief, loneliness, and found family, giving the characters emotional layers beyond their romantic tension.
Standalone • Adult • Romantasy/PNR
📖320 Pages
🗓️November 3
🪄witches
🪄hate to love
🪄forced proximity
🪄workplace romance
[I received an ALC from @macmillan.audio ]
📍I was so sold on the cozy bookstore setting and the promise of rivals literally hexing and vexing one another. Add in a bit of magic, a small-town backdrop, and a romance built on constant bickering, and this felt like it was written for readers who love comfort reads with a paranormal twist.
📍The bookstore felt warm and inviting, the small town setting had plenty of charm, and the love of books woven throughout the story was impossible not to appreciate. Beneath the romance, the novel also explores grief, loneliness, and found family, giving the characters emotional layers beyond their romantic tension.
November 1, 2026
What To Expect:
- book magic
- enemies to lovers
- magical bookshop
- spice
- witchy shenanigans
- banter
- cozy romcom vibes
this was such a fun read! i really loved the characters and was able to feel like i was fully immersed in the book. i just love when writing can make you feel like you are there
it was a very cozy feeling book with spice mixed in, and there was a lot of spice fyi. to vex and to hex has a lot of whimsy moments that had me smiling, just all around very enjoyable.
thank you so much netgalley for a copy of this ebook to review!
- book magic
- enemies to lovers
- magical bookshop
- spice
- witchy shenanigans
- banter
- cozy romcom vibes
this was such a fun read! i really loved the characters and was able to feel like i was fully immersed in the book. i just love when writing can make you feel like you are there
it was a very cozy feeling book with spice mixed in, and there was a lot of spice fyi. to vex and to hex has a lot of whimsy moments that had me smiling, just all around very enjoyable.
thank you so much netgalley for a copy of this ebook to review!
November 4, 2026
Book Source: gifted earc and finished copy from St. Martin's Griffin
Cry Rating: Level 1 (misty)
Read If You Like:
- book magic
- cozy romances
- witches
- small town setting
- nemesis to lovers
My Thoughts:
I adored this cozy little story! Lucy’s book magic was absolutely the most precious form of magic I have ever seen in a story and I am going to need to find a way to acquire it for myself please and thanks! The banter between Lucy and Grayson was top notch and omg the spice was just right. The perfect amount, the perfect tension. Such a treat of a book!
Cry Rating: Level 1 (misty)
Read If You Like:
- book magic
- cozy romances
- witches
- small town setting
- nemesis to lovers
My Thoughts:
I adored this cozy little story! Lucy’s book magic was absolutely the most precious form of magic I have ever seen in a story and I am going to need to find a way to acquire it for myself please and thanks! The banter between Lucy and Grayson was top notch and omg the spice was just right. The perfect amount, the perfect tension. Such a treat of a book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There were parts of this book that perfectly captured the cozy, magical environment. However, there were other parts that just fell flat for me. I liked the characters upon meeting them and learning their backstories. However, I started to dislike them as time went on, mostly due to communication, or lack thereof. I wish the fun light-heartedness of the hexes had lasted a little longer throughout the story. I felt like those moments did a better job of making you root for the characters than the heavy spice the book focused on later. Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Talk about a vexing couple! This leans a little into a miscommunication trope, but the way they have it out for each other was fun to unfold. I also love it when a bookstore and a professor are involved. It's like Book-ception, talking about books within the book, LOL. The yearning was delicious.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
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