The Heartbreak Hex
I loved this Halloween-themed romance novella, it was a perfect October pick-me-up!
In ‘The Heartbreak Hex', we get to know Gertrude Nightshade, a green-skinned potion witch whose life gets turned sideways when her werewolf boyfriend breaks up with her just before Halloween. In a (very) tipsy moment trying to mend her broken heart, she creates a potion that ties her (literally!) to handsome Vlad Everdark, the vampire mayor of the Halloween neighbourhood who always gets his morning beverage at her potion shop. As they deal with the craziness of being stuck together, Gertrude and Vlad explore their feelings, leading to a fun and heartwarming romance.
Where to start? The charming Holiday Village and its lore were very detailed, considering the length of this book. I loved all the nods to all the major Eurocentric holidays and characters, and I'm sure there will be more to come with some of the more often forgotten holidays.
I love Gertrude, she is a very believable heroine with a relatable experience, at least as far as the dumping by a boyfriend who doesn't appreciate her, and a loyal sister to support her. I love that she is shown as smart and determined, a woman who knows how to get what she wants.
Vlad Everdark was a charming and honourable hero, deserving of Gertrude's adoration. I loved how he is always respectful to Gertrude and her friends, and ready to fight for her (even if it's just with words). I wish we had a little bit more of exactly why he is so in love with her, other than he knew her at school and from his morning potion, but the fact that he adores her is obvious.
This story had a good little dash of spice, with plenty of tension-building moments and one nicely spicy scene, perfect for the story's length.
This novella is perfect for those who want light-hearted paranormal romances, cosy autumn stories, and anyone seeking an escape into a world of magic. If you like magical small towns, friends-to-lovers stories, and a bit of spice, this novella will put a smile on your face!