What the Hex by Jessica Clare

Published: April 4, 2023

Berkley

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 330

KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Jessica Clare is a New York Times bestselling author who writes under three pen names. As Jessica Clare, she writes erotic contemporary romance. As Jessica Sims, she writes fun, sexy shifter paranormals. Finally, as Jill Myles, she writes a little bit of everything, from sexy, comedic urban fantasy to zombie fairy tales.

Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.

Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).

Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?

“I don’t want better. I want you.”

Penny is vibrant and colorful. She is like the sun, desperately waiting to be a familiar. Willem is surely and slightly arrogant and not very popular among people. When an unconventional deal brings these two together, the results are electric.

I love Penny so much. She was such a fantastic character. I love how bright and cheerful she was, how bold and unassuming. She is such a loyal person, perfectly balancing Willem’s brooding.

I liked Will a lot, too. He had a rough start to life and his craft. And after a mentor took advantage of and manipulated him, he because untrusting and did his best to isolate himself.

I love that Jessica gives her characters real issues to overcome, and through the character’s journeys, they learn that whatever their issue is, they are seen and heard. It’s a powerful moment, and I love how beautifully it’s played out.

This was such a fun read. This series is perfect; it’s steamy, funny, and filled with a unique storyline that keeps you engaged. I’m glad I read the first book to get all the groundwork details for this world. The books can be read as a standalone or in any order, but I liked knowing who was getting into this book.

I am ready for the next book!

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