PLOT: 3.5/5
WRITING: 4/5
ROMANCE: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 3.5/5
THEMES: Paranormal, Fantasy, Witches and Magic, Light Hearted Romance
“I want all of you, too.’ he told her. ‘The powerful witch and the woman who loves nothing better than to take the piss out of me when I deserve it. The woman who inspires loyalty in talking cats and Baby Witches and everyone she meets because her heart is the only thing more impressive than her magic. I want you, Gwyn Jones.”
– Erin Sterling, The Kiss Curse
After the resounding success of the first book in The Ex Hex series, Erin Sterling does it again with The Kiss Curse (The Ex Hex #2), this time with a new couple and a new set of challenges. This book was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance 2022, and looking at the way it’s written, this is hardly surprising.
What is the story of The Kiss Curse?
Gwyn Jones loves her life in Graves Glen. Her witchcraft shop, Something Wicked, is doing quite well, her family is as strong as ever, she is part of a powerful witch coven, and she mentors some brand-new witches. Nothing can go wrong in her life, except, well, maybe—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells Penhallow, the obedient and loyal son, has decided to move from Wales, England to Graves Glen, urged by his father to revamp their family’s connection to the town they founded.
He decides to open his own shop right across from Gwyn’s. As their business rivalry turns nasty, both employ tools and tricks to draw the maximum number of customers. But this sabotage war leads to something else—a very, very hot and passionate kiss.
But that’s not all. There is a mysterious presence looming over the town, and trouble is brewing once again in the magical town of Graves Glen. Will the two enemies-turned-lovers join forces and bring back peace to Graves Glen?
My thoughts
While I’ve read a lot of enemies-to-lovers romances, the setting of the Ex Hex series strikes you as very unique and mesmerizing. The town of Graves Glen is pure magic, and some of that magic also seeps into the reader’s mind.
We start off on a good note. Wells is your notoriously handsome papa’s boy who is always ready to fulfill his duties as a son. Gwyn is your smart, witchy businesswoman who has a passion for mentorship. When these two personalities meet, they instantly repel, but as it happens with enemies-to-lovers romances, soon sparks fly and they cannot get enough of each other.
But while the chase lasts, and the confusion about their feelings for each other reigns supreme, we get to witness the sly competitive spirit and sneaky sabotage tricks that they both have up their sleeves. The resulting banter is worth every penny. More than the end, it is the journey that is worth witnessing, and I loved reading every tiny bit of it.
When it comes to romance, to be honest, more than passionate and intense, this is more like your cute, witty, and light-hearted romance that leans on the romantic comedy side. It does get steamy sometimes, but when I try to put it in my head, I always place it in the ‘cute romance’ section. It’s the kind of romance that gives you feel-good vibes, reminding you of all the good things in this world.
The tension in the story comes from a mysterious woman and her clique of witches who give off all sorts of weird vibes. They, too, do their jobs well and serve their purpose in taking the story forward.
In the end, The Kiss Curse is a wholesome read, much recommended to lovers of witchy reads, paranormal romances, all things magical, and light-hearted feel-good romances.
Can’t wait to read it? You can buy your copy of The Kiss Curse using the link below.
