ARC Review - Publish Date September 14, 2023
Author: Kate Johnson
Series: Stand Alone
Category: Paranormal Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
"She knew most people didn't understand animals the way she did. She also knew most people didn't have hair that literally had a mind of its own, and that they hadn't spent their childhoods playing with the ghosts in the churchyard." - Poppy
I was not expecting everything that was packed into this book when I settled down to read. We had witches, magic, curses, ghosts, mummies, time travel, history lessons, and more... not including the actual romance plot. It was a bit much, but there was something for everyone if you're into paranormal romances.
Poppy was a shining star of a hot mess that was so endearing. She was delightfully straightforward and charming, despite having an accident every 2.5 seconds. I loved her resilience in the face of danger and was rooting for her to understand her powers and find her way in the magical world.
"There is nothing wrong with being chaotic. Iris had said that to her shortly after Poppy moved in. Chaos is necessary and healthy for growth, it brings creativity and breathes new life into stale order." - Poppy
Alex's character was a disappointment, though he begrudgingly grew on me. His personality started and ended at dazzling, vain man whore. Although we learn more about his childhood as an explanation for his actions, it didn't justify the mistreatment of his constant sexual train of partners. In general, I'm not a fan of the man whore trope, but Alex's actions were worse in that he only felt bad about leading women on when it bit him in the bum - and still, he couldn't stop until Poppy came around.
"He'd spent too long creating Alex Storm to have someone see through the glamour. Axel Storm smoldered in leather and eyeliner." - Alex
Hex in the City featured sex, but little spice. It was an odd dichotomy; either expand the naughty bits and go for it, or fade to black. If you've read any of my other book reviews, you know which one I would prefer!
The third-act drama was predictable, but I always appreciate a little angst in my romance books. You can’t have everything be smooth sailing, waves need to break things up every once and awhile. After they finally got over their issues, Poppy and Alex were so cute together. The last chapter was by far my favorite part of the book and honestly, I'd love a sequel based on it alone.
"He was still looking at her as the director called, 'Action', so the first shot of the show was Alex gazing at her with adoration." - Poppy
Overall, I loved the storyline idea of Poppy and her magic more than I loved the romance. I struggled to root for Poppy and Alex's relationship for 80% of the book, however, it totally could have been a 'me' problem. There were many progressive narratives about gender and sexuality that I absolutely applaud, and Poppy herself was a gem. If you like quirky female characters who are a little unsure of themselves but forge ahead anyways, and don't mind a guy who may or may not deserve her, this book may be for you.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity.
Tropes and Themes: Fantasy Romance, Witches, Magic, Paranormal.
Blurb
Things you should know about Poppy:
1. She’s a witch
2. She has magical hair like Rapunzel from Tangled
3. She lives with Iris, the head of her coven, in a beautiful, ramshackle house next to Highgate cemetery
4. She works at Hubble Bubble, a magic shop in Covent Garden. Though none of it is real magic as that would be highly irresponsible. Until…
…Poppy accidentally sells gorgeous celebrity magician Axl Storm, all six-foot-four of him, a cursed pendant.
When all hell breaks loose can the guy with fake magic and the girl with real magic fix the chaos they’ve caused? Or will sparks fly both in and out of the cauldron?
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