Title: To Vex & To Hex
Author: Neena Noon
Genre: Romance
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Lucy Ansari’s life revolves around Crawley Books. As a witch, Lucy finds that Charles, the magical old man who owns it, feels more like family than her actual family. And like Lucy, her magic seems to adore books–but she definitely doesn’t adore Charles’ useless grandson, Grayson, who suddenly arrived from Ireland to “help” when Charles breaks his hip.
Grayson has never shown any interest in his lonely grandfather or the store Charles (and Lucy!) have dedicated their lives to. Suspicious of Grayson’s motives, there’s no way Lucy will let him disappoint Charles yet again–she’ll just have to hex him into leaving. But the arrogant, prickly Grayson seems determined to stay, and to finally mend his relationship with Charles before it’s too late. Except, much to his chagrin (and Lucy’s delight), Lucy refuses to part with his grandfather or the store. So, nonmagical Grayson decides to use his own version of vexing Lucy until she gives up her self-anointed role as Charles’ one and only protector.
As shenanigans ensue and sparks fly, Lucy and Grayson realize they share more than just responsibilities at the bookstore–like budding feelings for one another they’re desperate to suppress. But if they can only stop vexing and hexing, it might just be time to take a chance on each other.
Sorry, but this was very “meh” for me. Lucy being a witch was essentially pointless. Honestly, I felt like the ENTIRE reason for her being a witch was so the author could have her disappear stuff or poof it around—like her clothes—and the author wouldn’t have to actually make her characters do anything with the object in question. Charles and Lucy being witches was neve explained and it had absolutely no impact on the story world at large.
Lucy and Grayson were childish beyond belief. They fought like siblings. They hated each other for no reason. And the “pranks” they pulled on each other really demonstrated an ugliness of character they both possessed, so, frankly, they deserved each other.
Neena Noon was born in Long Island. To Vex & To Hex is her new novel.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review.)
