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Hexing the Ex
I didn’t expect to be evicted the first thing I returned from my holiday, but thanks to my roommate Nick, that’s what I was facing.
It’s not exactly easy to find a new place to live in London, so when Phoebe Thorpe spots a room-to-let sign at the window of a magic shop, she doesn’t hesitate. The room is perfect, even if chores are part of the rent. There is only one thing odd about her new landladies. They seem to believe magic exists.
Phoebe doesn’t believe in magic, but unfortunately magic believes in her. A mysterious statuette is sent to her boss, Archibald Kane, and she accidentally triggers a curse meant for him. Naturally, the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend. But why would anyone want to curse her boss, a perfectly ordinary antiques dealer? Or is he?
Phoebe sets out to break the curse with the help of her new housemates. But it isn’t easy trying to solve a mystery she doesn’t even believe is real. Then again, that hellhound chasing her seemed pretty solid… Maybe there’s more to magic than hexing one’s ex.
This is the first book in House of Magic, a new series by Susanna Shore blending mystery and magic, with a resourceful heroine and plenty of action.
It’s not exactly easy to find a new place to live in London, so when Phoebe Thorpe spots a room-to-let sign at the window of a magic shop, she doesn’t hesitate. The room is perfect, even if chores are part of the rent. There is only one thing odd about her new landladies. They seem to believe magic exists.
Phoebe doesn’t believe in magic, but unfortunately magic believes in her. A mysterious statuette is sent to her boss, Archibald Kane, and she accidentally triggers a curse meant for him. Naturally, the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend. But why would anyone want to curse her boss, a perfectly ordinary antiques dealer? Or is he?
Phoebe sets out to break the curse with the help of her new housemates. But it isn’t easy trying to solve a mystery she doesn’t even believe is real. Then again, that hellhound chasing her seemed pretty solid… Maybe there’s more to magic than hexing one’s ex.
This is the first book in House of Magic, a new series by Susanna Shore blending mystery and magic, with a resourceful heroine and plenty of action.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2021
About the author
Susanna Shore
53 books105 followersSusanna Shore is an independent author. She writes Two-Natured London paranormal romance series, P.I. Tracy Hayes series of light mysteries set in Brooklyn, Reed Files crime capers, and House of Magic paranormal mystery series. She is also an author of some contemporary romances and thrillers.
You can find her on Bluesky @susannashore.bsky.social and more about her books on her webpage susannashore.com, where you can also find short stories and a sign-up page to her newsletter.
If you want a quick look into what she writes, she has collected her firsts books into a bundle called Starters . And The Wolf's Call , the first book in Two-Natured London series, is permanently free.
You can find her on Bluesky @susannashore.bsky.social and more about her books on her webpage susannashore.com, where you can also find short stories and a sign-up page to her newsletter.
If you want a quick look into what she writes, she has collected her firsts books into a bundle called Starters . And The Wolf's Call , the first book in Two-Natured London series, is permanently free.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 13, 2021
Meh! 2.5 Stars!
First - Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson House Books for providing me with this Ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Overall: The book was just ok in my opinion. It wasn’t very memorable and honestly left me with so many unanswered questions that I just began looking back at all the unlikely scenarios that took place and it ruined my overall feelings in the end.
The premise of this book was enticing and I was really excited to read it and about 15 percent into it, I was really hooked. This started out really strong jumping right into action and then sizzled out pretty quickly. The middle of the book seemed to drag out a bit too much for me with not a ton of build up and then everything just sort of quickly and perfectly wrapped up without much excitement.
I had some issues with the character build up also. Not enough back story was told in order for me to feel connected with any of them and then the little bits of description that was given was contradicted with their actions. Phoebe was just supposed to be an unknowing, non-magical human but not only did she quickly accept the magical concept and people, she basically took over leading the charge of removing the curse; seemed unlikely to me. Her boss was described as strong and looked up to, but Phoebe and the others didn’t really display much admiration towards him and nor did he really do much to give them reason to do so, he was far too passive and honestly he came across as a bit unimpressive.
I also was very displeased with Phoebe’s story and relationship with regards to her Ex. Based on the title of this book, I truly thought it was going to have much more to do with an “Ex” relationship than it actually did. I was expecting a little bit of romance and felt let down that there wasn’t really any at all.
The author has great potential, this is a great premise, but I don’t feel the direction it took was what I was expecting or hoping for. Needs some work but I still thought it had some funny parts too it and if she has built more into the werewolf and vampire characters that would’ve been fun because I honestly feel like they were the best parts.
First - Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson House Books for providing me with this Ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Overall: The book was just ok in my opinion. It wasn’t very memorable and honestly left me with so many unanswered questions that I just began looking back at all the unlikely scenarios that took place and it ruined my overall feelings in the end.
The premise of this book was enticing and I was really excited to read it and about 15 percent into it, I was really hooked. This started out really strong jumping right into action and then sizzled out pretty quickly. The middle of the book seemed to drag out a bit too much for me with not a ton of build up and then everything just sort of quickly and perfectly wrapped up without much excitement.
I had some issues with the character build up also. Not enough back story was told in order for me to feel connected with any of them and then the little bits of description that was given was contradicted with their actions. Phoebe was just supposed to be an unknowing, non-magical human but not only did she quickly accept the magical concept and people, she basically took over leading the charge of removing the curse; seemed unlikely to me. Her boss was described as strong and looked up to, but Phoebe and the others didn’t really display much admiration towards him and nor did he really do much to give them reason to do so, he was far too passive and honestly he came across as a bit unimpressive.
I also was very displeased with Phoebe’s story and relationship with regards to her Ex. Based on the title of this book, I truly thought it was going to have much more to do with an “Ex” relationship than it actually did. I was expecting a little bit of romance and felt let down that there wasn’t really any at all.
The author has great potential, this is a great premise, but I don’t feel the direction it took was what I was expecting or hoping for. Needs some work but I still thought it had some funny parts too it and if she has built more into the werewolf and vampire characters that would’ve been fun because I honestly feel like they were the best parts.
June 4, 2021
This is the first in a new series which is a paranormal chick lit cozy mystery sort of mashup - it reminds me very much of Shanna Swendson’s Enchanted, Inc. series, which is a high compliment from me as that is one of my all time favourite series. Protagonist Phoebe is entirely unmagical, but a series of unfortunate events lead to her discovering that not only has she been living in a magical world all along, her new landladies are a pair of actual witches, her roommates are a vampire and a werewolf, and her boss is one of the most powerful mages in London. Oh, and Phoebe is now under a magical curse that was meant for her boss, and has accidentally cursed her philandering ex to live in interesting times.. It’s been a bit of a week…
I’m utterly charmed by this. Unlike most cozy mysteries, it doesn’t start with a body - nobody dies at all apart from a hellhound, actually - but Phoebe getting stuck with a curse definitely leaves her with a crime to investigate, and she can hardly be left out of it while the magical folks around her do all the heavy lifting. In the end Phoebe is actually able to twist the curse to her own advantage, using her brains when the magic of her friends fails, and get the better of her opponent.
There’s some very interesting setup here for future books in the series, with at least three antagonists all with shadowy motives running around on the loose. While there’s no hint of romance for Phoebe yet, I think it’s pretty obvious who her love interest is going to be, and the events of this book basically had to happen to clear the path for that to begin.
Delightful, and I’m looking forward to more in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I’m utterly charmed by this. Unlike most cozy mysteries, it doesn’t start with a body - nobody dies at all apart from a hellhound, actually - but Phoebe getting stuck with a curse definitely leaves her with a crime to investigate, and she can hardly be left out of it while the magical folks around her do all the heavy lifting. In the end Phoebe is actually able to twist the curse to her own advantage, using her brains when the magic of her friends fails, and get the better of her opponent.
There’s some very interesting setup here for future books in the series, with at least three antagonists all with shadowy motives running around on the loose. While there’s no hint of romance for Phoebe yet, I think it’s pretty obvious who her love interest is going to be, and the events of this book basically had to happen to clear the path for that to begin.
Delightful, and I’m looking forward to more in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
June 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson House Books for providing me with a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
After her crappy roommate floods the apartment, Phoebe needs to find somewhere to live and fast - which is easier said than done in London. However, she quickly stumbles on a room for rent in a “magic shop” which turns out to actually be magic…and that’s a stroke of luck when she winds up accidentally cursed. Will she figure out why someone is trying to curse her boss? Will she get uncursed? And what is up with her flatmates??
This was a super cute paranormal cozy mystery. I love the idea behind it, and I liked how it quickly set the situation up and then got straight into the action. It was also nice to read a book set in an area I know! I liked the different characters, and how they interact with each other, and I thought Ashley was a nice touch as a non-stereotypical character type (without giving too much away!). I thought it was really well paced, and my pet hate in cozy mysteries - main characters interfering heavily in official investigations- was completely absent so there were no frowns here. My only wish is I wanted it to be longer as I was kinda sad when I finished it! I’m really looking forward to book 2 already.
After her crappy roommate floods the apartment, Phoebe needs to find somewhere to live and fast - which is easier said than done in London. However, she quickly stumbles on a room for rent in a “magic shop” which turns out to actually be magic…and that’s a stroke of luck when she winds up accidentally cursed. Will she figure out why someone is trying to curse her boss? Will she get uncursed? And what is up with her flatmates??
This was a super cute paranormal cozy mystery. I love the idea behind it, and I liked how it quickly set the situation up and then got straight into the action. It was also nice to read a book set in an area I know! I liked the different characters, and how they interact with each other, and I thought Ashley was a nice touch as a non-stereotypical character type (without giving too much away!). I thought it was really well paced, and my pet hate in cozy mysteries - main characters interfering heavily in official investigations- was completely absent so there were no frowns here. My only wish is I wanted it to be longer as I was kinda sad when I finished it! I’m really looking forward to book 2 already.
May 24, 2021
Hexing the Ex by Susanna Shore
Thanks to #netgalley for providing me with this e-book for an honest review.
Hexing the Ex wants to be a cute, cozy mystery book. Unfortunately it never quite makes it there. What it turned out to be was unengaging, a bit boring, and shallow.
Our main character, Phoebe, is returning from a holiday when she finds her apartment flooded (in the weirdest way ever) by her roommate. Desperate for a place to live she happens upon a sign for a room to rent in a unique shop. And Phoebe will soon come to find out how unique the shop, and those who inhabit it, really are.
I honestly can’t remember much about this book-although I just finished it last night. It was a cute enough premise but the execution was just… bad. The characters were a bit hollow, plot was a bit boring, and the story was unengaging all around.
Giving this book 1 star mostly because I liked the cat.
Thanks to #netgalley for providing me with this e-book for an honest review.
Hexing the Ex wants to be a cute, cozy mystery book. Unfortunately it never quite makes it there. What it turned out to be was unengaging, a bit boring, and shallow.
Our main character, Phoebe, is returning from a holiday when she finds her apartment flooded (in the weirdest way ever) by her roommate. Desperate for a place to live she happens upon a sign for a room to rent in a unique shop. And Phoebe will soon come to find out how unique the shop, and those who inhabit it, really are.
I honestly can’t remember much about this book-although I just finished it last night. It was a cute enough premise but the execution was just… bad. The characters were a bit hollow, plot was a bit boring, and the story was unengaging all around.
Giving this book 1 star mostly because I liked the cat.
February 14, 2023
The heroine's apartment gets flooded so she finds a new place to live above a magic shop. Her new neighbours seem a little strange and it turns out her boss is more than he seems as well. There's a curse that makes her wishes come true but it backfires (of course, wishes always backfire). This was very entertaining - a cozy mystery is always better if you add a few hellhounds and werewolves. It was my first book by this author but definitely made me want to read the rest of the series.
July 2, 2021
(Review of an ARC via Netgalley)
A fun romp, all in all.
Title is a bit misleading, as there was not enough hexing of exes in my opinion to justify it being the title, that was just for the cool alliteration.
Still relatable though, I too would like to be adopted by a couple of married witches and their cat.
A fun romp, all in all.
Title is a bit misleading, as there was not enough hexing of exes in my opinion to justify it being the title, that was just for the cool alliteration.
Still relatable though, I too would like to be adopted by a couple of married witches and their cat.
July 18, 2021
I clicked this cause I loved the cover and now I am in love with the book too!!
It is such a beautiful book, the way the author describes each scene perfectly and how easy it is to imagine yourself in the scene and the writing style is just AWESOME!
Any fan of magical books will love this!!
I can't wait for it's next part, a perfect 5 star read!
It is such a beautiful book, the way the author describes each scene perfectly and how easy it is to imagine yourself in the scene and the writing style is just AWESOME!
Any fan of magical books will love this!!
I can't wait for it's next part, a perfect 5 star read!
August 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC.
I found it intriguing that the main character who is non magical is cursed and the plot is about breaking the said curse. Sadly, the good points end there. The book suffers from awkward flow in writing, bland characters, grammatical and technical mistakes. I don’t think i would read the second book.
I found it intriguing that the main character who is non magical is cursed and the plot is about breaking the said curse. Sadly, the good points end there. The book suffers from awkward flow in writing, bland characters, grammatical and technical mistakes. I don’t think i would read the second book.
April 17, 2022
This is a great start for a paranormal cozy mystery. The characters are well developed for a first in series. They are entertaining and likable. The mystery is well written with plenty of twists and turns. I am looking forward to more in this series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
April 17, 2022
This is a great start for a paranormal cozy mystery. The characters are well developed for a first in series. They are entertaining and likable. The mystery is well written with plenty of twists and turns. I am looking forward to more in this series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
April 11, 2024
A very pleasant but not terribly memorable story, a candyfloss read that is sweet on the tongue but soon gone. It was nice, gentle, hints of funny, a bit of mystery, nice touches of world building but it never really engaged me and definitely didn't wow me.
The authors voice was very pleasant, reading the book never felt onerous, but on reflection I think my issues are because this is more of a plot driven read. This meant I didn't feel that connection to the main character that truly draws me into a story.
Even in a light, somewhat funny cosy-mystery I still want to experience a depth or range of emotion, and that was where the book lost me. Secondary characters lacked the necessary nuance of personality that can be used to add richness and texture to the story. I would love to see the author give more background to her characters, create a life history for them, along with personality traits and quirks.
If you're looking for a paranormal cosy mystery then it is still well worth picking up this easy to read and entertaining book.
The authors voice was very pleasant, reading the book never felt onerous, but on reflection I think my issues are because this is more of a plot driven read. This meant I didn't feel that connection to the main character that truly draws me into a story.
Even in a light, somewhat funny cosy-mystery I still want to experience a depth or range of emotion, and that was where the book lost me. Secondary characters lacked the necessary nuance of personality that can be used to add richness and texture to the story. I would love to see the author give more background to her characters, create a life history for them, along with personality traits and quirks.
If you're looking for a paranormal cosy mystery then it is still well worth picking up this easy to read and entertaining book.
June 6, 2021
I started reading this book expecting not to like it. Just my mood, I’m afraid, and the fact I’ve read a number of witchy books that disappointed. The more I read, the better my mood became.
Phoebe Thorpe returns to her London apartment from a vacation meant to heal her soul after a breakup. She finds her idiot roommate—haven’t we all had one of those—has managed to flood not only the apartment they share but the one below as well. And, just like that, she’s homeless and looking for an affordable place in a respectable neighborhood. Good luck with that!
When she sees the Room for Rent sign on a storefront she’s never noticed before, she doesn’t hesitate to inquire within. And thereby hangs the tale for this shop isn’t just any shop. It’s a witchy shop run for a discerning clientele. Not everyone is who they seem to be and some surprises are in store for Phoebe. But it’s charming and available and Phoebe feels like her luck is changing.
Then she goes back to work at the antique dealers, activates a dangerous curse, and finds out her conservative and sort of dull boss is anything but what she thinks he is. She’s threatened by witches and warlocks and hellhounds as she searches for the origins of the mysterious curse and a way to get rid of it.
Susanna Shore’s House of Magic series, of which Hexing the Ex is the first, promises to be fun and filled with hexes, curses, spells, and magical beings. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Strengths:
Pretty good writing. Only a few times did I question the author’s choice of words or structure. Dialogue is good. I thought it got a little hasty toward the end, but that could just be the nit-picker in me who is always finding something to gripe about.
Characters: pretty good. Really on the strong side of pretty good. Nicely diverse and clearly defined—with a couple of exceptions.
Resolution: not too predictable, but not so far afield as to be unreasonable. And that’s all I can say about that.
Room for Improvement
I thought the motive a little weak and the villain not well defined. Granted, this is the first in a series and at the end we do meet someone who may grow on me. But I’d like to feel a bit more of a sinister intent on the part of the perpetrator. A good villain is even more important than a well-drawn hero, in my opinion, and it’s not just because I have a soft spot for villains. Which I do.
I felt like we rushed a bit at the end. The dialogue and the plot seemed a little—not klunky, but maybe could have used one more editing pass. It's not bad--just not perfect.
All in all, this is a fun read with more to come from this author. I’m looking forward to reading more about Phoebe, her interesting employer, and the House of Magic where she lives.
Phoebe Thorpe returns to her London apartment from a vacation meant to heal her soul after a breakup. She finds her idiot roommate—haven’t we all had one of those—has managed to flood not only the apartment they share but the one below as well. And, just like that, she’s homeless and looking for an affordable place in a respectable neighborhood. Good luck with that!
When she sees the Room for Rent sign on a storefront she’s never noticed before, she doesn’t hesitate to inquire within. And thereby hangs the tale for this shop isn’t just any shop. It’s a witchy shop run for a discerning clientele. Not everyone is who they seem to be and some surprises are in store for Phoebe. But it’s charming and available and Phoebe feels like her luck is changing.
Then she goes back to work at the antique dealers, activates a dangerous curse, and finds out her conservative and sort of dull boss is anything but what she thinks he is. She’s threatened by witches and warlocks and hellhounds as she searches for the origins of the mysterious curse and a way to get rid of it.
Susanna Shore’s House of Magic series, of which Hexing the Ex is the first, promises to be fun and filled with hexes, curses, spells, and magical beings. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Strengths:
Pretty good writing. Only a few times did I question the author’s choice of words or structure. Dialogue is good. I thought it got a little hasty toward the end, but that could just be the nit-picker in me who is always finding something to gripe about.
Characters: pretty good. Really on the strong side of pretty good. Nicely diverse and clearly defined—with a couple of exceptions.
Resolution: not too predictable, but not so far afield as to be unreasonable. And that’s all I can say about that.
Room for Improvement
I thought the motive a little weak and the villain not well defined. Granted, this is the first in a series and at the end we do meet someone who may grow on me. But I’d like to feel a bit more of a sinister intent on the part of the perpetrator. A good villain is even more important than a well-drawn hero, in my opinion, and it’s not just because I have a soft spot for villains. Which I do.
I felt like we rushed a bit at the end. The dialogue and the plot seemed a little—not klunky, but maybe could have used one more editing pass. It's not bad--just not perfect.
All in all, this is a fun read with more to come from this author. I’m looking forward to reading more about Phoebe, her interesting employer, and the House of Magic where she lives.
July 26, 2021
Hexing the Ex is the first book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore. I didn’t expect to be evicted the first thing I returned from my holiday, but thanks to my roommate Nick, that’s what I was facing. It’s not exactly easy to find a new place to live in London, so when Phoebe Thorpe spots a room-to-let sign at the window of a magic shop, she doesn’t hesitate. The room is perfect, even if chores are part of the rent. There is only one thing odd about her new landladies. They seem to believe magic exists. Phoebe doesn’t believe in magic, but unfortunately magic believes in her. A mysterious statuette is sent to her boss, Archibald Kane, and she accidentally triggers a curse meant for him. Naturally, the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend. But why would anyone want to curse her boss, a perfectly ordinary antiques dealer? Or is he? Phoebe sets out to break the curse with the help of her new housemates. But it isn’t easy trying to solve a mystery she doesn’t even believe is real. Then again, that hellhound chasing her seemed pretty solid.
Hexing the Ex is a good series starter that hits a good balance of world and character building with action and fun. I liked Phoebe and enjoyed getting to know her and the group of characters that are or become part of her life.Her self awareness and willingness to adapt to new revelations made everything interesting and fun. I thought the reveal of the magical world was well done and the mystery storyline had some really good twists in it, finishing off with something very different than I expected. The amounts of humor and action were very well balanced, with the characters not taking themselves to seriously. I found the curse and other magic elements to be well handled, using both traditional and fresh interpretation to the story and world building. I really enjoyed the read and plan on reading more from this author- including future installments of this series and their back list.
Hexing the Ex is a fun and enteraining read. I hope to continue with this series.
Hexing the Ex is a good series starter that hits a good balance of world and character building with action and fun. I liked Phoebe and enjoyed getting to know her and the group of characters that are or become part of her life.Her self awareness and willingness to adapt to new revelations made everything interesting and fun. I thought the reveal of the magical world was well done and the mystery storyline had some really good twists in it, finishing off with something very different than I expected. The amounts of humor and action were very well balanced, with the characters not taking themselves to seriously. I found the curse and other magic elements to be well handled, using both traditional and fresh interpretation to the story and world building. I really enjoyed the read and plan on reading more from this author- including future installments of this series and their back list.
Hexing the Ex is a fun and enteraining read. I hope to continue with this series.
July 23, 2021
Hexing the Ex is the first book of the House of Magic series. It is a fun light read that can easily be accomplished in a single sitting.
We follow Phoebe, a normal human living in London that meets some unfortunate circumstances that leave her looking for a new place to live. When she happens upon a room for rent at the House of Magic, things take a strange turn for her. Phoebe is thrust into the world of the paranormal after accidentally becoming to conduit for a curse that turns her well wishes into dangerous hexes.
Phoebe takes finding out the things that go bump in the night are actually things of reality in stride and honestly there is no real conflict between most of the characters. Majority of the plot is finding out who sent the curse and how to undo it.
The book started out pretty slow in my opinion. There wasn’t a lot of action build up or development of characters. About half way through the pace did pick up some.
An arrow struck the gatepost where my had had been a moment before…
Okay girl? People out to kill you now? Give me more!
The storyline wrapped up pretty quickly and just… ended. Not too sure how I feel about that.
I wouldn’t really call this a mystery. It read more like a rom com without the rom.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Was it earth shattering? No. Was it the best thing I ever read? No. It was cute and I did enjoy the read. There wasn’t a lot of world building but what can you expect from a book that is only 160 pages. The writing style was fine and easy to follow. Overall I think this is a good book if you are looking for something fast and lighthearted. Perfect to hold off a book hangover after a powerful read.
Positives- Found family, cute story, easy and fast read.
Negatives- Not a lot of suspense, depth, or development
We follow Phoebe, a normal human living in London that meets some unfortunate circumstances that leave her looking for a new place to live. When she happens upon a room for rent at the House of Magic, things take a strange turn for her. Phoebe is thrust into the world of the paranormal after accidentally becoming to conduit for a curse that turns her well wishes into dangerous hexes.
Phoebe takes finding out the things that go bump in the night are actually things of reality in stride and honestly there is no real conflict between most of the characters. Majority of the plot is finding out who sent the curse and how to undo it.
The book started out pretty slow in my opinion. There wasn’t a lot of action build up or development of characters. About half way through the pace did pick up some.
An arrow struck the gatepost where my had had been a moment before…
Okay girl? People out to kill you now? Give me more!
The storyline wrapped up pretty quickly and just… ended. Not too sure how I feel about that.
I wouldn’t really call this a mystery. It read more like a rom com without the rom.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Was it earth shattering? No. Was it the best thing I ever read? No. It was cute and I did enjoy the read. There wasn’t a lot of world building but what can you expect from a book that is only 160 pages. The writing style was fine and easy to follow. Overall I think this is a good book if you are looking for something fast and lighthearted. Perfect to hold off a book hangover after a powerful read.
Positives- Found family, cute story, easy and fast read.
Negatives- Not a lot of suspense, depth, or development
January 26, 2022
The comedic story follows a normal person - Phoebe - as she's thrown into a crazy magical world that suddenly comes to life all around her. The book opens with her arriving home to discover that her friend flooded the apartment after passing out in the shower. This crazy moment turns out to be a defining one as it pushes her to seek a new place to live. The flooded apartment creates a catalyst for her to discover magic as it leads her to the House of Magic (which she has a "really good feeling" about) and sends her headfirst into magic. Her new housemates change everything for Phoebe as they create the first opportunity that draws her into this secret magical world. Her new housemates include Luca Marlowe who helps in the shop at night and has a sensitivity to sunlight, Ashley who is renting the room next to Phoebe's and works as a firefighter with her own full moon secret, the owners Amber and Giselle who are witches, and Griselda the cat who belongs to the house.
The plot focuses on Phoebe's sudden transition into this magical world that she never knew existed when she picks up a statuette sent to her boss, Archibald Kane. Now she's cursed and her "wishes" are coming true in ways that range from keeping Ashley from harm by not allowing her in dangerous situations at work to getting an opportunity that helps her friend's career. The curse was sent to Kane but she suffers the consequences and works with her newfound friends to track down who would have sent it. This creates chaotic and funny situations such as her being chased by a hellhound, uncovering the truth about her new friends, and dealing with Kane's ex-wife. Hexing the Hex is humorous, chaotic, and fun with action and twists that send Phoebe around in circles while providing a story that will have you laughing out loud and completely addicted. A zany and lighthearted ride that is worth every page.
The plot focuses on Phoebe's sudden transition into this magical world that she never knew existed when she picks up a statuette sent to her boss, Archibald Kane. Now she's cursed and her "wishes" are coming true in ways that range from keeping Ashley from harm by not allowing her in dangerous situations at work to getting an opportunity that helps her friend's career. The curse was sent to Kane but she suffers the consequences and works with her newfound friends to track down who would have sent it. This creates chaotic and funny situations such as her being chased by a hellhound, uncovering the truth about her new friends, and dealing with Kane's ex-wife. Hexing the Hex is humorous, chaotic, and fun with action and twists that send Phoebe around in circles while providing a story that will have you laughing out loud and completely addicted. A zany and lighthearted ride that is worth every page.
May 28, 2021
I really thought this would be a book I would love...But... It all seems so poorly planned...
For starters, the House of Magic is within walking distance from Pheobe's house and yet the house "didn't want to show itself" to her until the point where she loses her apartment from flooding????? Can an apartment really flood like that?
Then her boss, who is also a supernatural being, is friends with her landladies and tenets who are also supernatural beings, BUT Pheobe is also living with these supernatural beings!!!! Wouldn't supernatural beings be wary of living with humans? If the house was so omnipotent then why didn't it play a larger role?
I'd say if the house-hunt had occurred after the curse, then sure, yeah, it could make some sense to me. But otherwise, nada.
The curse was a nice way to start the story but planning made everything confusing? The ending was anti-climatic and I didn't appreciate how it shed light on women after a breakup with the "hexing the ex" in both instances with Pheobe and Danielle. Why would she try to hex her ex-ex while fleeing from her ex?!
Also, if Danielle is such a posh woman with so much money and whatnot, why was she traveling through trains? It made no sense.
But hey, there are some positives too!
- Descriptions around London were amazing. I felt like I was traveling with Pheobe on this journey.
- Ashley. I loved her character. A woman who is strong and isn't scared to shred anyone into pieces. (Literally and figuratively.)
- It's an easy read, finished it within a day.
I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity.
For starters, the House of Magic is within walking distance from Pheobe's house and yet the house "didn't want to show itself" to her until the point where she loses her apartment from flooding????? Can an apartment really flood like that?
Then her boss, who is also a supernatural being, is friends with her landladies and tenets who are also supernatural beings, BUT Pheobe is also living with these supernatural beings!!!! Wouldn't supernatural beings be wary of living with humans? If the house was so omnipotent then why didn't it play a larger role?
I'd say if the house-hunt had occurred after the curse, then sure, yeah, it could make some sense to me. But otherwise, nada.
The curse was a nice way to start the story but planning made everything confusing? The ending was anti-climatic and I didn't appreciate how it shed light on women after a breakup with the "hexing the ex" in both instances with Pheobe and Danielle. Why would she try to hex her ex-ex while fleeing from her ex?!
Also, if Danielle is such a posh woman with so much money and whatnot, why was she traveling through trains? It made no sense.
But hey, there are some positives too!
- Descriptions around London were amazing. I felt like I was traveling with Pheobe on this journey.
- Ashley. I loved her character. A woman who is strong and isn't scared to shred anyone into pieces. (Literally and figuratively.)
- It's an easy read, finished it within a day.
I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity.
May 25, 2021
I received an ARC of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hexing the Ex is my first Susanna Shore book. It is the first in House of Magic series. And I'm excited for the second book.
Hexing the ex introduces us a world where paranormal beings like mages, warlocks, werewolves and vampires and magic exist but their existence isn't exactly known to ordinary people.
Due to some events Phoebe becomes involved in their world. She somehow manages to trigger a magical artifact sent to her boss and curses her ex boyfriend. This book focuses on her adventures to remove the curse and find the person who is behind sending that artifact with the help of the said boss and her new housemates.
The story is well written and executed. There's an element of mystery which kept me guessing and engaged till the end.
All the characters are likable and levelheaded. No dramatic scenes here and no romance at all!
To round it up, this book is great for cozy and light reading.
Hexing the Ex is my first Susanna Shore book. It is the first in House of Magic series. And I'm excited for the second book.
Hexing the ex introduces us a world where paranormal beings like mages, warlocks, werewolves and vampires and magic exist but their existence isn't exactly known to ordinary people.
Due to some events Phoebe becomes involved in their world. She somehow manages to trigger a magical artifact sent to her boss and curses her ex boyfriend. This book focuses on her adventures to remove the curse and find the person who is behind sending that artifact with the help of the said boss and her new housemates.
The story is well written and executed. There's an element of mystery which kept me guessing and engaged till the end.
All the characters are likable and levelheaded. No dramatic scenes here and no romance at all!
To round it up, this book is great for cozy and light reading.
June 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson House Books for providing me with a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
After her crappy roommate floods the apartment, Phoebe needs to find somewhere to live and fast - which is easier said than done in London. However, she quickly stumbles on a room for rent in a “magic shop” which turns out to actually be magic…and that’s a stroke of luck when she winds up accidentally cursed. Will she figure out why someone is trying to curse her boss? Will she get uncursed? And what is up with her flatmates??
This was a super cute paranormal cozy mystery. I love the idea behind it, and I liked how it quickly set the situation up and then got straight into the action. It was also nice to read a book set in an area I know! I liked the different characters, and how they interact with each other, and I thought Ashley was a nice touch as a non-stereotypical character type (without giving too much away!). I thought it was really well paced, and my pet hate in cozy mysteries - main characters interfering heavily in official investigations- was completely absent so there were no frowns here. My only wish is I wanted it to be longer as I was kinda sad when I finished it! I’m really looking forward to book 2 already.
After her crappy roommate floods the apartment, Phoebe needs to find somewhere to live and fast - which is easier said than done in London. However, she quickly stumbles on a room for rent in a “magic shop” which turns out to actually be magic…and that’s a stroke of luck when she winds up accidentally cursed. Will she figure out why someone is trying to curse her boss? Will she get uncursed? And what is up with her flatmates??
This was a super cute paranormal cozy mystery. I love the idea behind it, and I liked how it quickly set the situation up and then got straight into the action. It was also nice to read a book set in an area I know! I liked the different characters, and how they interact with each other, and I thought Ashley was a nice touch as a non-stereotypical character type (without giving too much away!). I thought it was really well paced, and my pet hate in cozy mysteries - main characters interfering heavily in official investigations- was completely absent so there were no frowns here. My only wish is I wanted it to be longer as I was kinda sad when I finished it! I’m really looking forward to book 2 already.
June 19, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson House Books for providing me with a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 stars!
I admit I was surprised by the premise of the book because of its characters, magical system, world-building, and plot. I honestly enjoyed reading this book. However, I had to admit that the first half of the book was really intriguing, and getting through it was really fun, but when I was halfway through it I’m starting to get bored. There are parts that are "meh" for me because of the protagonist’s perspective. I haven't read this kind of book since forever, that’s why I think it that or this way. It’s a new tea for me.
This was such a cozy and light paranormal mystery read. The characters were intriguing and interesting. Mages, witches, shapeshifters, warlock, and vampires, you name it! And, honestly, the plot felt flat for me. It was really unexpected it’s just that. It really lacks and it needs more substance. I was really looking for something called ‘GOOSEBUMPS’ but it never happened.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this book because it’s fun and really interesting. This was my first book from Susan, the author, but I’m really looking forward to reading her other books as well soon.
Rating: 3 stars!
I admit I was surprised by the premise of the book because of its characters, magical system, world-building, and plot. I honestly enjoyed reading this book. However, I had to admit that the first half of the book was really intriguing, and getting through it was really fun, but when I was halfway through it I’m starting to get bored. There are parts that are "meh" for me because of the protagonist’s perspective. I haven't read this kind of book since forever, that’s why I think it that or this way. It’s a new tea for me.
This was such a cozy and light paranormal mystery read. The characters were intriguing and interesting. Mages, witches, shapeshifters, warlock, and vampires, you name it! And, honestly, the plot felt flat for me. It was really unexpected it’s just that. It really lacks and it needs more substance. I was really looking for something called ‘GOOSEBUMPS’ but it never happened.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this book because it’s fun and really interesting. This was my first book from Susan, the author, but I’m really looking forward to reading her other books as well soon.
June 3, 2021
Phoebe, a regular human, somehow gets wrapped up in a curse that involves her with witches, warlocks, vampires and more. She must find a way to break this curse so that life can return to normal. (Though can that happen now that she knows about all of these enhanced humans?) With the help of her new friends and her very attractive boss, Phoebe sets out to break the curse.
Opinion
This is a great, quick read and a promising start on a new series. Being a huge fan of paranormal myself, I was enthralled by the cat and mouse type chase that took many detours along the way.
I found this new to me author to be refreshing in that she coated the story with humor and jest. The story moved at a fast pace and was interesting enough to make me want to stay up all night to finish it. (Unfortunately for me, sleep won over the book and I had to finish it the next day.) I look forward to reading more in this series as it comes out and also checking in to her other series as well.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
This is a great, quick read and a promising start on a new series. Being a huge fan of paranormal myself, I was enthralled by the cat and mouse type chase that took many detours along the way.
I found this new to me author to be refreshing in that she coated the story with humor and jest. The story moved at a fast pace and was interesting enough to make me want to stay up all night to finish it. (Unfortunately for me, sleep won over the book and I had to finish it the next day.) I look forward to reading more in this series as it comes out and also checking in to her other series as well.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
June 3, 2021
Phoebe, a regular human, somehow gets wrapped up in a curse that involves her with witches, warlocks, vampires and more. She must find a way to break this curse so that life can return to normal. (Though can that happen now that she knows about all of these enhanced humans?) With the help of her new friends and her very attractive boss, Phoebe sets out to break the curse.
Opinion
This is a great, quick read and a promising start on a new series. Being a huge fan of paranormal myself, I was enthralled by the cat and mouse type chase that took many detours along the way.
I found this new to me author to be refreshing in that she coated the story with humor and jest. The story moved at a fast pace and was interesting enough to make me want to stay up all night to finish it. (Unfortunately for me, sleep won over the book and I had to finish it the next day.) I look forward to reading more in this series as it comes out and also checking in to her other series as well.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
This is a great, quick read and a promising start on a new series. Being a huge fan of paranormal myself, I was enthralled by the cat and mouse type chase that took many detours along the way.
I found this new to me author to be refreshing in that she coated the story with humor and jest. The story moved at a fast pace and was interesting enough to make me want to stay up all night to finish it. (Unfortunately for me, sleep won over the book and I had to finish it the next day.) I look forward to reading more in this series as it comes out and also checking in to her other series as well.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
June 8, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore.
I thought this was a really interesting story. A non-magical person stumbles upon a room for let in a magical business. Now her life is completely different. She discovers her boss at the antiques dealer shop is really a super magical guy and he may have killed someone right in front of her.
I am really digging this house of magic world. I am waiting for book two in order to see if Phoebe finds a new man to lust over. It seems she has been pretty lacking in the decent man department. Her boyfriend cheats on her and then when the woman he dropped her for drops him, he wants Phoebe back. Typical, right? Phoebe keeps herself buys chasing after witches, running away from hellhounds and trying not to wish her friends into unforeseen circumstances. Did I mention the first thing that happens to her is that she gets cursed by a statue so when she wishes anything, it curses the person and her as well. They spend most of the book trying to break this curse and it is indeed a fun ride.
Highly recommended. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the first book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore.
I thought this was a really interesting story. A non-magical person stumbles upon a room for let in a magical business. Now her life is completely different. She discovers her boss at the antiques dealer shop is really a super magical guy and he may have killed someone right in front of her.
I am really digging this house of magic world. I am waiting for book two in order to see if Phoebe finds a new man to lust over. It seems she has been pretty lacking in the decent man department. Her boyfriend cheats on her and then when the woman he dropped her for drops him, he wants Phoebe back. Typical, right? Phoebe keeps herself buys chasing after witches, running away from hellhounds and trying not to wish her friends into unforeseen circumstances. Did I mention the first thing that happens to her is that she gets cursed by a statue so when she wishes anything, it curses the person and her as well. They spend most of the book trying to break this curse and it is indeed a fun ride.
Highly recommended. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
June 26, 2021
I tore through this book so quickly because I simply could not put it down! The characters, the adventure, everything was so much fun!
Phoebe gets back from vacation to find her roommate has ruined the apartment. Getting kicked out shortly, she finds herself wandering the streets only to find a room for rent. Said room ends up being so much more than she bargained for, but it the best way. This group of assorted magical/paranormal housemates end up being exactly what she needs when a package for her boss ends up cursing her with the ability to grant passive aggressive wishes.
There's all sorts of discoveries for Phoebe in her new life - vampires, werewolves, mages, warlocks, and so much more! She handles it with surprising calm and ends up being the glue that holds the curse mystery together. Who knew that this room for rent could turn into an amazing twist of fate? I loved every second of this first installment and cannot wait to see what happens next in the House of Magic series!
Phoebe gets back from vacation to find her roommate has ruined the apartment. Getting kicked out shortly, she finds herself wandering the streets only to find a room for rent. Said room ends up being so much more than she bargained for, but it the best way. This group of assorted magical/paranormal housemates end up being exactly what she needs when a package for her boss ends up cursing her with the ability to grant passive aggressive wishes.
There's all sorts of discoveries for Phoebe in her new life - vampires, werewolves, mages, warlocks, and so much more! She handles it with surprising calm and ends up being the glue that holds the curse mystery together. Who knew that this room for rent could turn into an amazing twist of fate? I loved every second of this first installment and cannot wait to see what happens next in the House of Magic series!
July 5, 2021
Hexing the Ex is a wonderfully cute, fun, and quick read! The pace was perfect for what I was looking for. I never felt like it was dragging on, and I found myself hardly able to put it down. It was not a particularly complicated read, but I was not bored at all. If you are looking for something deep and meaningful, this is not it, but this is perfect if you just want something easy and fun to jump into.
The characters were interesting and intriguing. I also really liked the world. I enjoyed learning about the world of magic with Phoebe, and I think she as a character was a good way to ease into the magical aspects of the world without feeling like I needed to know anything beforehand. She is very inquisitive and ends up in the middle of everything, which also makes her very relatable.
The mystery and action are the highlights of this book, rather than any romance, though there is definitely room for that to develop in future books. I am very much looking forward to the next one in this series, and will be keeping an eye out for other books from this author!
The characters were interesting and intriguing. I also really liked the world. I enjoyed learning about the world of magic with Phoebe, and I think she as a character was a good way to ease into the magical aspects of the world without feeling like I needed to know anything beforehand. She is very inquisitive and ends up in the middle of everything, which also makes her very relatable.
The mystery and action are the highlights of this book, rather than any romance, though there is definitely room for that to develop in future books. I am very much looking forward to the next one in this series, and will be keeping an eye out for other books from this author!
August 3, 2021
The cover of this confused me slightly as it implies part cozy mystery, part chick-lit and really didn't help me work out its genre. For readers wanting romance/chick-lit, this has hints and for readers wanting cozy mystery, there's a big nod towards this genre. Be warned - it does contain swearing and it's definitely a *mystery* rather than a *murder* mystery. My other biggest gripe was I didn't like the first chapter, as it was a contrived way to kick off the main plot.
However, once I got past that, I very much enjoyed 'Hexing the Ex' and read it to the end.
It has a great cast of characters, an interesting plot, a boss in his boxers and it was clear the author very much enjoyed writing the book, particularly with the side characters.
I read this via a Netgalley ARC and it contained the first chapter for book 2. I will definitely be reading the second in the series as I'm invested enough in the characters and it was a good, fun read that let me escape the world for a couple of hours.
However, once I got past that, I very much enjoyed 'Hexing the Ex' and read it to the end.
It has a great cast of characters, an interesting plot, a boss in his boxers and it was clear the author very much enjoyed writing the book, particularly with the side characters.
I read this via a Netgalley ARC and it contained the first chapter for book 2. I will definitely be reading the second in the series as I'm invested enough in the characters and it was a good, fun read that let me escape the world for a couple of hours.
May 24, 2021
Phoebe Thorpe comes back from visiting her parents in France only to find her roommate has flooded and damaged their apartment. HOW is she going to find a new place to live that she can afford? But luck seems to be on her side as she sees a sign for a room for rent on her way home from the pub.
Thinking things are squared away, Phoebe returns to work and ends up activating a curse from a statue that was sent to the shop. While she doesn’t believe in witches and curses, Phoebe finds that there is more to life than she has truly ever seen. But how can the cruse be broken before the curses she has inadvertently placed on those she knows come back around to her?
The first in a new, House of Magic, series set in London. This series has the potential to be quite good as the story continues on. I’ll be following along to see what’s next for this human in a magical world.
Thinking things are squared away, Phoebe returns to work and ends up activating a curse from a statue that was sent to the shop. While she doesn’t believe in witches and curses, Phoebe finds that there is more to life than she has truly ever seen. But how can the cruse be broken before the curses she has inadvertently placed on those she knows come back around to her?
The first in a new, House of Magic, series set in London. This series has the potential to be quite good as the story continues on. I’ll be following along to see what’s next for this human in a magical world.
June 5, 2021
This story follows Pheobe Thorpe, who has been recently evicted and is looking for a place to live in. She finds a magic shop which has the sign “Room to let. Inquire Inside.”. A series of surprising events lead her to discover that Mages, Warlocks, Werewolves and Vampires are real, and she has been accidently cursed. Naturally the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend.
The thing I liked the most about this book was that it was pretty fast paced and the story kept me hooked. The plot of the book is simple, and it is a perfect light read that keeps you guessing.
All the characters are really delightful, I just wished I could get to know them a little better.
I really love reading stories which have mythical creatures so I enjoyed this book a lot.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
The thing I liked the most about this book was that it was pretty fast paced and the story kept me hooked. The plot of the book is simple, and it is a perfect light read that keeps you guessing.
All the characters are really delightful, I just wished I could get to know them a little better.
I really love reading stories which have mythical creatures so I enjoyed this book a lot.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
July 26, 2021
Absolutely charming story. I fell in love from the very first chapter and just adored the House of Magic. I'm not usually a fan of cozy mysteries, as I generally find them too unrealistic, but since this was fantasy anyway, that part didn't bother me at all here. In some ways, it actually reminded me quite a bit of Enchanted, Inc., with all the magical creatures running around.
I did miss an explanation for why Phoebe was suddenly magically inclined, as I never felt that was really explained. Perhaps it'll come in a sequel?
The title is slightly misleading as it wasn't actually the ex being hexed.... nor did it have as many hexes as I had expected it to, but I did enjoy the way the hex was managed in the end.
I did miss an explanation for why Phoebe was suddenly magically inclined, as I never felt that was really explained. Perhaps it'll come in a sequel?
The title is slightly misleading as it wasn't actually the ex being hexed.... nor did it have as many hexes as I had expected it to, but I did enjoy the way the hex was managed in the end.
June 23, 2021
Hexing the Ex (House of Magic 1) by Susanna Shore
Publisher: Crimson House Books
Genre: Humor | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: June 6, 2021
Hexing the Ex is the first book in the new House of Magic series by Susanna Shore. This is the first book I've read by the author and I know it won't be the last.
This was a cute book. It has a paranormal cozy mystery feel without being a cozy. The characters are fascinating and likable. The story was great and kept me engaged & interested throughout the whole book.
I look forward to reading the future books in the series!
I'm so grateful to Susanna Shore, Crimson House Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Crimson House Books
Genre: Humor | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: June 6, 2021
Hexing the Ex is the first book in the new House of Magic series by Susanna Shore. This is the first book I've read by the author and I know it won't be the last.
This was a cute book. It has a paranormal cozy mystery feel without being a cozy. The characters are fascinating and likable. The story was great and kept me engaged & interested throughout the whole book.
I look forward to reading the future books in the series!
I'm so grateful to Susanna Shore, Crimson House Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
December 22, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This one was a bit harder for me to get into. I do love the support and tight-knit aspect to the witches that Phoebe falls into, but just difficult to get behind her and really "root" for her to get her life sorted, figure out the hexing, etc.
The beginning with her roommate/"friend" was quite tough. How anyone can be that cavalier and irresponsible...not a great start to the book. Maybe if that bit was left out or she had a different situation that led her to the new surroundings, maybe my mindset would've been more positive.
Don't regret reading it, but not my favorite. Would be interested in seeing what else the author has out there though.
This one was a bit harder for me to get into. I do love the support and tight-knit aspect to the witches that Phoebe falls into, but just difficult to get behind her and really "root" for her to get her life sorted, figure out the hexing, etc.
The beginning with her roommate/"friend" was quite tough. How anyone can be that cavalier and irresponsible...not a great start to the book. Maybe if that bit was left out or she had a different situation that led her to the new surroundings, maybe my mindset would've been more positive.
Don't regret reading it, but not my favorite. Would be interested in seeing what else the author has out there though.
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