What the Hex

I reread (re-listened) to this adorable witchy Latinx romance today with a friend, and I enjoyed it even more this time. The author has a gift for creating the perfect blend of the contemporary and the fantastic, resulting in a delicious magical realism that reminds me of Sarah Addison Allen. Former academic rivals Cat and Diego are both smart cookies with special powers, and it's up to them to save the day when they're reunited as guests at a wedding, and things go awry. I wish this were a series as the setting is a delight, as is the magical system that Daria has created. Recommend!

This was so much fun! Listened to it in one afternoon because it made my ears so happy.
In this one short book, we have:
- reunited rivals to lovers
- big families, big personalities, big opportunity for mess
- a literal demon possession
- only one bed!
- maid of honor best man makin out in a closet as a cover for their real activities (planning an exorcism, as you do)
- fashion magic?! I loved everything about Catalina’s special abilities. We so often hear about magic involving force and the ability to control the elements, it was nice to read about someone making clothes that make the wearer supernaturally happy. (And also fling them across the room when they need to be removed faster lol)

The narrator gives this story the perfect upbeat show more tone and though I wish the rest of the voices were a little more distinct, it was usually just Diego and Catalina speaking and I could easily tell the two of them apart.

In short, this was a lot of fun and I can’t wait for more of this world. I would have liked a little more development of the relationship, but I think it was really well done in half the time of a full-length romance novel.
Alexis Daria never disappoints. show less

What a fun, light read sparking with magic (in the best way!) and chemistry between Cat and Diego. Isla bruja is a special setting and I hope she’ll set additional books here! This would be the perfect start to a series. The paranormal/magical elements are folded into every level while this also feels like such a relatable contemporary! I’m definitely going to read You Had Me at Hola (been on my list for a while!) and the sequel, coming this month, but I already know I’m going to be missing Isla Bruja. Recommend for a quick, vibrant, sexy read.

I love seasonal novellas and this is a fun spooky season read! It had the right mix of magic, steamy tension and chaotic wedding energy.

I was disappointed in this one. Both the romance and the magical parts of the story felt rushed with no depth. Cute story that didn't move me at all.

Nerdy enemies to lovers after a grow up glow up is the best.

Merged review:

Nerdy enemies to lovers after a grow up glow up is the best.