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Hex #3
Casual Hex
Gwen Dubois lives in Indiana, but her heart is in France with Marc Chevalier, a man she met online. Now he’s come to Big Knob to show Gwen the meaning of amour and spirit her back to Paris. But stiff competition is coming from another part of the world—if not exactly this world. Prince Leo of the Atwood fairy kingdom has his own plans for Gwen, creating a romantic mishap that only Big Knob’s resident witch and wizard can untangle.
315 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2009
8 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Lewis Thompson
498 books1,537 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 24, 2009
Vicki Lewis Thompson makes me laugh. Her imaginative stories combine humor and romance in a way that always tickles my funny bone while I sigh in pleasure at the perfect happy ending for her pairs. "Casual Hex" is the third book in her 'Hex' series about a pair of magical matchmakers who've been banished to a small town in Indiana. They manage to find mischief and create mayhem while helping certain residents of the town find their perfect mate. It's even funnier when not all the residents are of the human variety!
Gwen is a shy, quiet florist who has made a habit of blending in and behaving. After all, when you're one of the few single women in a small town, you have to watch out for your reputation. But recently shy, quiet Gwen has been having some seriously erotic dreams--and they all seem to star the same man. She really doesn't have time for this since her pen pal botanist from France is about to come to town specifically to check out Gwen's rare plant. Over the months of their correspondence Gwen feels they've gotten to know each other so well. OK, she has a crush on him. But a suave, continental guy like him could never be interested in a quiet shy girl like Gwen, right?
Thompson's pacing was dead on in this story. Gwen doesn't become an instant sex kitten. Instead, with the help of friends and a teeny tiny bit of magic, she learns about her own beauty and her own power as a woman. I liked that the magic was about boosting Gwen's confidence vice changing her appearance. The growth came from inside and as many a man will tell you, "Confidence is sexy."
And speaking of sexy...whoo, this story had some pretty hot sex! Between a fairy prince luring Gwen in her dreams, and a flesh and blood Frenchman sexing her up in reality...well, let's just say I'm jealous! This isn't a story that will have the reader searching their conscience or agonizing over life and death decisions or consequences. Instead this book is a breath of humorous air with a hefty helping of hot sexual tension. Just about perfect for a slow evening.
Gwen is a shy, quiet florist who has made a habit of blending in and behaving. After all, when you're one of the few single women in a small town, you have to watch out for your reputation. But recently shy, quiet Gwen has been having some seriously erotic dreams--and they all seem to star the same man. She really doesn't have time for this since her pen pal botanist from France is about to come to town specifically to check out Gwen's rare plant. Over the months of their correspondence Gwen feels they've gotten to know each other so well. OK, she has a crush on him. But a suave, continental guy like him could never be interested in a quiet shy girl like Gwen, right?
Thompson's pacing was dead on in this story. Gwen doesn't become an instant sex kitten. Instead, with the help of friends and a teeny tiny bit of magic, she learns about her own beauty and her own power as a woman. I liked that the magic was about boosting Gwen's confidence vice changing her appearance. The growth came from inside and as many a man will tell you, "Confidence is sexy."
And speaking of sexy...whoo, this story had some pretty hot sex! Between a fairy prince luring Gwen in her dreams, and a flesh and blood Frenchman sexing her up in reality...well, let's just say I'm jealous! This isn't a story that will have the reader searching their conscience or agonizing over life and death decisions or consequences. Instead this book is a breath of humorous air with a hefty helping of hot sexual tension. Just about perfect for a slow evening.
December 15, 2014
What has the townspeople of Big Knob in a flurry in Casual Hex? Gwen's got a sexy visitor from France! Jean-Marc is a botanist on his way to a conference in Chicago, but he's making a pit stop to see some tropical flowers that have appeared in the middle of winter--almost like magic. Gwen and Marc have been exchanging e-mails for several weeks, and this amazing discovery has just bumped up their meeting. Of course Ambrose and Dorcas have some tricks up their sleeves to make sure that these soul mates get together. However, there's the unexpected problem of Gwen's "dream lover" who's really a fairy prince on a selfless mission gone wrong.
As the final book in this trilogy, Casual Hex does provide a conclusion to the George the Dragon plot, which I hadn't enjoyed until now. It was cute and quite fitting, and I was happy to see George step up and earn his golden scales. His plot doesn't really pick up until the very end when the story takes on a slightly suspenseful tone. I actually really liked this shift, even if it was cheesy and predictable. Prince Leo just does not have his head on straight, and it's obvious his plan wasn't thought out very well. I was annoyed at how quickly he changed his ways, but it was only a minor thing.
I really loved the romance between Gwen and Marc! They've gotten to know each other over the internet and bonded over their love of plants, but once they meet in person, the chemistry is most definitely there! I never thought I was attracted to Frenchman, but maybe on paper I am, because Marc is quite sexy! I liked how he was worried about Gwen's reputation and didn't want her neighbors to get the wrong idea about her. Very chivalrous, but of course, sexual tension trumps all eventually!
Casual Hex was a very cute end to the series, but I'm sad to see it go. Dorcas and Ambrose have certainly grown on me with their wacky hijinks and unconventional matchmaking methods. The magical elements definitely made this series super fun and allowed for some events that would make me roll my eyes at a realistic romance novel. Each book can be read alone, but you meet each of the new characters in the previous ones, plus there's the whole George situation, so I'd recommend reading them in order. They're super quick and enjoyable, so you've really got nothing to lose!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
As the final book in this trilogy, Casual Hex does provide a conclusion to the George the Dragon plot, which I hadn't enjoyed until now. It was cute and quite fitting, and I was happy to see George step up and earn his golden scales. His plot doesn't really pick up until the very end when the story takes on a slightly suspenseful tone. I actually really liked this shift, even if it was cheesy and predictable. Prince Leo just does not have his head on straight, and it's obvious his plan wasn't thought out very well. I was annoyed at how quickly he changed his ways, but it was only a minor thing.
I really loved the romance between Gwen and Marc! They've gotten to know each other over the internet and bonded over their love of plants, but once they meet in person, the chemistry is most definitely there! I never thought I was attracted to Frenchman, but maybe on paper I am, because Marc is quite sexy! I liked how he was worried about Gwen's reputation and didn't want her neighbors to get the wrong idea about her. Very chivalrous, but of course, sexual tension trumps all eventually!
Casual Hex was a very cute end to the series, but I'm sad to see it go. Dorcas and Ambrose have certainly grown on me with their wacky hijinks and unconventional matchmaking methods. The magical elements definitely made this series super fun and allowed for some events that would make me roll my eyes at a realistic romance novel. Each book can be read alone, but you meet each of the new characters in the previous ones, plus there's the whole George situation, so I'd recommend reading them in order. They're super quick and enjoyable, so you've really got nothing to lose!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
July 29, 2016
This was just ok. There were inconsistencies that made this book less enjoyable than the others. Dorcas and Ambrose can magically shower and be perfectly groomed in the blink of an eye but in a life or death situation they could not use their magic to dress in the right clothes. The Grand Council changed from Cecil in book two of the series to Cyril at the end of this book. It was only slightly funny.
June 1, 2011
Honestly, if it weren't for the ipod-sporting dragon, I'd probably never read past the first book. The part where the fairy prince (not the H) visits her while she's asleep for nookie was downright creepy.
March 7, 2018
Felt a bit rushed. Kinda bummed she stopped at 3.
May 10, 2020
I wanted more for the heroine that the love interests she got. That being said, it has survived multiple shelf purges.
August 9, 2022
3+ stars
August 13, 2022
Lots of fun
January 7, 2025
Little does she know it but the heroine's love life is been planned and plotted right under her nose but a couple of matchmaking witches. The sweet older couple whom she waves to in the mornings have spelled and bewitched the means to summon the heroine's life mate. They've planted a tropical flower in the middle of a cold winter forest so that the heroine would eventually track down the worlds leading botanist to study this phenomenon.
The hero and heroine have been communicating via emails for a few months now and though they've never actually spoke, they feel a deep connection to one another. When the hero gets the chance, he leaves France to America and takes up in the small middle of nowhere town of Big Knob.
The heroine is both anxious and nervous to finally meet the man who's become so important to her but she worries over how he'll react to her less the model like appearance. She's just a small town girl and he must be used to having his pick of beautiful French women. And to top it off, she's having vivid sex dreams about a golden god who makes her question her sanity. But when the hero arrives, they waste no time getting closer. Something about him makes her feel like he's the center of her world and he feels the same for her.
It's like magic just how close they are and how deeply they've come to care for one another in such a short period of time. But she disregards any notion of magic or witches and though he's the scientist, he's the one more open to the idea of witchcraft. And it's he that realizes the older couple are in fact witches and that something magical is happening in their small town. But the faery prince who's haunted her dreams refuses to surrender the woman he imagines as his queen and the hero must do everything he can to keep the heroine from his clutches.
Boring story, lifeless writing and very unsuccessful attempts at humor made this book a struggle to read. I was skipping pages constantly and though I did feel the connection between the characters is was not nearly enough to make up for the dull plot and lackluster comedic attempts. Most of the dialogue was spent on condoms... or the fact that the hero was French...I won't be reading the rest of the series if they are anything like this one (which-being chit-lit romances-they probably are). I can't say it was disappointing as I wasn't expecting much, but still....disappointing.
The hero and heroine have been communicating via emails for a few months now and though they've never actually spoke, they feel a deep connection to one another. When the hero gets the chance, he leaves France to America and takes up in the small middle of nowhere town of Big Knob.
The heroine is both anxious and nervous to finally meet the man who's become so important to her but she worries over how he'll react to her less the model like appearance. She's just a small town girl and he must be used to having his pick of beautiful French women. And to top it off, she's having vivid sex dreams about a golden god who makes her question her sanity. But when the hero arrives, they waste no time getting closer. Something about him makes her feel like he's the center of her world and he feels the same for her.
It's like magic just how close they are and how deeply they've come to care for one another in such a short period of time. But she disregards any notion of magic or witches and though he's the scientist, he's the one more open to the idea of witchcraft. And it's he that realizes the older couple are in fact witches and that something magical is happening in their small town. But the faery prince who's haunted her dreams refuses to surrender the woman he imagines as his queen and the hero must do everything he can to keep the heroine from his clutches.
Boring story, lifeless writing and very unsuccessful attempts at humor made this book a struggle to read. I was skipping pages constantly and though I did feel the connection between the characters is was not nearly enough to make up for the dull plot and lackluster comedic attempts. Most of the dialogue was spent on condoms... or the fact that the hero was French...I won't be reading the rest of the series if they are anything like this one (which-being chit-lit romances-they probably are). I can't say it was disappointing as I wasn't expecting much, but still....disappointing.
October 31, 2014
I really liked this book. It was funny, romantic, and had that element of magic that I love.
Gwen was a wonderful character. She reminded me of myself in so many ways and that made her easier to relate to. She is the perfect compliment to Marc and the two together is just perfect.
Leo is an interesting character too, but I wish that he had come to the conclusion that he needed to change as well. Even at the end he wasn't thinking with his head and that made him less likable. I know that we aren't supposed to completely like him, but at the same time I would like to know that he learned something and grew as Gwen did.
On top of that, I was expecting more danger or more of fight between Marc and Leo, but it never happened. There wasn't a real battle for Gwen's affections that I had really expected. However, such a battle would be strange coming from Marc whose character isn't the type to treat women as objects to be won, unlike Leo who would be.
Overall, I really liked this story, but I would have liked more of an interaction between Leo and Marc that could have made the final confrontation more dramatic and interesting.
Gwen was a wonderful character. She reminded me of myself in so many ways and that made her easier to relate to. She is the perfect compliment to Marc and the two together is just perfect.
Leo is an interesting character too, but I wish that he had come to the conclusion that he needed to change as well. Even at the end he wasn't thinking with his head and that made him less likable. I know that we aren't supposed to completely like him, but at the same time I would like to know that he learned something and grew as Gwen did.
On top of that, I was expecting more danger or more of fight between Marc and Leo, but it never happened. There wasn't a real battle for Gwen's affections that I had really expected. However, such a battle would be strange coming from Marc whose character isn't the type to treat women as objects to be won, unlike Leo who would be.
Overall, I really liked this story, but I would have liked more of an interaction between Leo and Marc that could have made the final confrontation more dramatic and interesting.
November 26, 2014
Hex #3
Gwen owns a flower shop in Big Knob, Indiana. She finds a plant that should not be in her area. Gwen gets in contact with a French botanist, Jean-Marc Chevalier, through the internet. They have been emailing back and forth for a few weeks. He decided to go to a conference in Chicago but will come to visit Gwen a few days before. They meet and it's love at first sight. WOW!
But Gwen has been having these sex dreams about a blond man. The dreams seem so real to her. Then the day after Marc comes to town, she sees this man, Leo, in the diner. He shows his interest. Gwen is not used to attention from men.
Dorcas and Ambrose are a witch couple that dabble in matchmaking. They have arranged for Gwen and Marc to meet but Leo may mess up true love.
This is a delightful story. Gwen and Marc are hot together. I may read more in the series.
Gwen owns a flower shop in Big Knob, Indiana. She finds a plant that should not be in her area. Gwen gets in contact with a French botanist, Jean-Marc Chevalier, through the internet. They have been emailing back and forth for a few weeks. He decided to go to a conference in Chicago but will come to visit Gwen a few days before. They meet and it's love at first sight. WOW!
But Gwen has been having these sex dreams about a blond man. The dreams seem so real to her. Then the day after Marc comes to town, she sees this man, Leo, in the diner. He shows his interest. Gwen is not used to attention from men.
Dorcas and Ambrose are a witch couple that dabble in matchmaking. They have arranged for Gwen and Marc to meet but Leo may mess up true love.
This is a delightful story. Gwen and Marc are hot together. I may read more in the series.
May 25, 2009
I blame myself for not realizing that this book was a "dime store romance". I'm really not a big fan of the genre, because the graphic sexual descriptions inevitably just make me laugh or roll my eyes.
So it wasn't for me from the very beginning - my bad. However, the book was described as a kind of "supernatural" tale, so it may have still held my interest. Unfortunately, the ridiculousness of some of the characters would have been better suited to childrens' stories. (and I would have enjoyed that more, because I wouldn't have had to get past the sex to get to the plot.)
But too much sex and silly characters might have been forgivable if the book had been well-written. Sadly, this one was not.
So it wasn't for me from the very beginning - my bad. However, the book was described as a kind of "supernatural" tale, so it may have still held my interest. Unfortunately, the ridiculousness of some of the characters would have been better suited to childrens' stories. (and I would have enjoyed that more, because I wouldn't have had to get past the sex to get to the plot.)
But too much sex and silly characters might have been forgivable if the book had been well-written. Sadly, this one was not.
June 11, 2015
Ms. Thompson performs a slight gender twist on her previous novels set in Big Knob. This time, the worldly outsider who believes in the supernatural is male while his partner in denial is a female. The nerdiness is gender roles switched as well, providing a genuine surprise for her loyal fanbase.
When a royal suitor presents himself as competition and there’s French sophistication as an actual lure, the outcome of this romance is actually in doubt. The sexual attraction among the central romantic leads is heated enough but the sex itself takes a back seat for more important matters. The story provides multiple viewpoints between protagonists and puts George the dragon in a pivotal role. It’s a satisfying coda to the series, charming, exciting, emotionally gratifying and sexually potent.
When a royal suitor presents himself as competition and there’s French sophistication as an actual lure, the outcome of this romance is actually in doubt. The sexual attraction among the central romantic leads is heated enough but the sex itself takes a back seat for more important matters. The story provides multiple viewpoints between protagonists and puts George the dragon in a pivotal role. It’s a satisfying coda to the series, charming, exciting, emotionally gratifying and sexually potent.
March 18, 2009
Gwen is a timid florist in Big Knob, lacking self-confidence in herself and in romantic relationships. Striking up an email conversation with a French botanist, Gwen finds herself falling for him at the same time a dream lover is visiting her dreams.
It has definitely been a long time since I've read the first two books in this series, but it doesn't take long to catch up. I really liked Gwen's character. She is very believable in her timidness and her growth. Marc was a great match for her (of course!) and their romance was sweetly done. I wasn't so enamored of Leo's storyline--it was actually super creepy and felt like it bordered on rape.
It has definitely been a long time since I've read the first two books in this series, but it doesn't take long to catch up. I really liked Gwen's character. She is very believable in her timidness and her growth. Marc was a great match for her (of course!) and their romance was sweetly done. I wasn't so enamored of Leo's storyline--it was actually super creepy and felt like it bordered on rape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2009
This is book 3 in lighthearted paranormal romance series. This is a silly, light read, written in a girl-next-door, contemporary romance kind of way, but with a matchmaking witch and wizard, a fairy prince, and a dragon secretly mixed into a mundane small town. The heroine is a flower show owner and the hero a French botanist. The sex scenes are heavy on romance - this series is all about soulmates who marry for happily ever after. A fun light read to give you a break from dark urban fantasy, but not fantastic.
September 15, 2012
Charming, light-hearted, humourous story. Loved the main characters Gwen and Marc, their growing attraction to each other, and especially, their frustrations over a difficult to access box of condoms. Leo was a great antagonist who learned a lesson or two about what happens when you irritate a witch. For those who have been reading this series, George finally lives up to his potential - hurrah! Very entertaining. Of the three books, this is my favourite. I'd recommend reading this series in order - to better appreciate the side characters.
July 6, 2016
Last book of the series, and it was as much fun as the first two! This is a trilogy of books worth reading if you are looking for something light-hearted and with lots of magic. I loved it....it was grown-up fantasy....fairy tales with some sexy scenes for good measure. The sex was not overdone, but well written, and even though the couples connected in a serious way fairly quickly....hey, that's the magic in the books! Definitely recommend to anyone who would love to have a magic wand in her hip pocket, or a handsome wizard smitten with her!
June 1, 2009
A fun read - Ambrose and Dorcas are matchmaking again, setting up a long distance connection between local florist Gwen and Parisian botanist Marc. Complications abound [if you have read of the previous books, this does NOT surprise you:] including a playboy fairy prince and boxes of condoms. George the dragon plays a surprising supporting role...
Hex
1. Over Hexed (2007)
2. Wild & Hexy (2008)
3. Casual Hex (2009)
Hex
1. Over Hexed (2007)
2. Wild & Hexy (2008)
3. Casual Hex (2009)
March 28, 2010
Gwen doesnt believe in the paranormal or anything out there. Yet when her friends find tropical plants growing in the snow in the forest, she contacts botanist Jean-Marc Chevalier in Paris who comes to investigate. The sparks fly, but a fairy prince, a dragon, a witch and wizard and gambling racoons stretch her belief system well beyond what she is comfortable with.
A very fun and sexy book. Going back now to read the first in the series.
A very fun and sexy book. Going back now to read the first in the series.
May 9, 2010
This one was ok, but does get rated higher for one scene where to help the couple along Dorcas and Ambrose decide to buy condoms for them and it is up to Ambrose to ask Marc what size he needs. I spit out my soda while reading. Just the thought of how uncomfortable that would be between two men still cracks me up. Gwen and Marc were both cute, but as always Dorcas and Ambrose stole the show. I also loved George the dragon and all of his antics.
June 27, 2012
once again, Vicki Lewis Thompson has delivered a LOL funny, steamy sexy, supernatural, thrill ride! love love loved this book! I loved the change up from the first 2 books of this series where the woman was local and the man came to town instead. I also loved the added element of the fairy prince. Love how these books build on each other and give the reader mini-updates on the characters from the previous books. I hope that Thompson does a 4th book in this series!
April 21, 2009
This was another cute book in the hex series. I enjoy Dorcas, Ambrose, and George the Dragon. If this is the end of the series, it wrapped up quite nicely leaving an opening for more possible books in the future. I still enjoy Vicki Lewis Thompson's Nerd series more, but this series will entertain magical romance fans.
June 11, 2009
100% fluff, but it doesn't pretend not to be. The characters are likable and endearing, and even the "bad guy" is a hoot. Wacky, over-the-top fantasy elements include a semi-delinquent dragon playing poker with the raccoons in the forest, and the resident sorcerer/sorceress doing match-making duty. A fun, fast, entertaining read, including some great sex scenes. (I mean, hey, the hero is FRENCH.)
October 6, 2009
Great story about a small town girl who gets set up with a French Botanist and is pursued by a Fairy Prince. This story includes a Dragon by the name of George who absolutely loves his IPOD, Dorcas and Ambrose who happen to be matchmaking witches, and a cast of townsfolk who are quite entertaining. I loved the story and recommend it for easy breezy reading.
January 28, 2010
This was a real fun book to read. 4 1/2 stars is my rating. It was funnier then the previous two books. I really hope the author continues the series.
I'd suggest this series to those people who would like to venture into the paranormal genre but want to start slow. This series would be perfect for you!
I'd suggest this series to those people who would like to venture into the paranormal genre but want to start slow. This series would be perfect for you!
January 18, 2014
If I could give 4 1/2stars I would. The only reason it didn't rate a 5 is because I reserve that rating for the "classics." Fantastic read, especially after reading a lot of, um, how shall I politely say... unedited, self-published books from Amazon, I really enjoyed a well written, well edited book.In fact it was so good I read the entire thing in about 6 hours.
February 20, 2012
Very good book. It is my favorite of the series. I truly hope there are more! As always Dorcus and Ambrose were great. As were all the characters (previous and new). It was steamer than the first two books. It also had more magic ( fantasy ) than the others as well. Fantastic story line.
July 29, 2012
Book 3.
Magical match-makers add even more complications on the road to romance. And then there's the dragon. What's a nice resident of Big Knob, Indiana to do?
Another light and fun series from Vicki Lewis Thompson.
Magical match-makers add even more complications on the road to romance. And then there's the dragon. What's a nice resident of Big Knob, Indiana to do?
Another light and fun series from Vicki Lewis Thompson.
May 14, 2009
This was a funny book. I just don't like supernatural, even though I keep trying. Love her writing though.
July 25, 2009
Loved it. These books make me laugh out loud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews